Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies on Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) for Seed Yield, Maturity and Resistance to Yellow Mosaic Virus

Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among 20 genotypes of blackgram for 12 characters studied. High GCV and PCV was recorded for number of pods per plant followed by number of clusters, number of primary branches, seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for number of clusters per plant, number of primary branches, harvest index, number of pods per plant, seed index, plant height, seed yield per plant and biological yield. Seed yield per plant showed positive and significant correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with harvest index followed by pod length, days to maturity and biological yield. High positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was exhibited by harvest index followed by biological yield, seed index, number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant at genotypic level. At phenotypic level high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant was exhibited by harvest index, biological yield, number of pods per plant and days to 50% flowering. Hence, selection based on these traits would be effective in increasing the seed yield. Twenty genotypes were screened against YMV out of which only PU-31 showed resistant reaction. Fifteen genotypes showed moderately resistant reaction. Two of them showed moderately susceptible reaction and the other two genotypes showed susceptible reaction towards YMV.