Genetic variability, phenotypic, genotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis of black gram (Vigna mungo (L) Happer)

To utilize blackgram (Vigna mungo (L) Happer ) gene pool effectively study on genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and their correlations were conducted during yala 2013 & maha 2014/15. Data of ten quantitative characters were recorded. Heritability estimates were high (60%) for days to 50% flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, number of pods per plant, days to maturity and number of main branches. Number of main branches, plant height, pods per plant and seed yield showed higher (25%) phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) and number of main branches, plant height, pods per plant and grain yield showed higher (>20%) genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV). The correlation studies exhibited significant positive association of yield with number of main branches, plant height, pods per plant, seeds per pod and pod length in both phenotypic and genotypic manner. Correlation coefficients were further partitioned in to components of direct and indirect effect by path coefficient analysis The number of main branches had the maximum direct effect on yield followed by plant height, number of pods per plant and pod length. Hence selection based on these characters would be effective in increasing the seed yield.