Estimation of Genetic Variability for Grain Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

The present investigation was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the Organic Research Farm (HRF), Karguanji, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), to assess the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and correlation among thirteen morphological and yield-contributing traits in twelve black gram (Vigna mungo L.) genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studied, indicating the presence of considerable genetic variability. The widest range of variation was observed for number of pods per plant (19.27–54.73), followed by harvest index (15.47–42.60%) and plant height (24.41–44.50 cm). Genotypic and phenotypic correlation analysis revealed that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant, and harvest index, suggesting that these traits are major contributors to yield and should be emphasized during selection. Among the evaluated genotypes, T-65, Shekhar-1, KU-321, IPU-09-16, Azad Urd-1, and KU-99-22 were identified as superior performers for seed yield. These genotypes hold potential for use in future breeding and hybridization programs aimed at yield improvement in black gram.