Exploring the Genetic Variability of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] Genotypes Over Environments

Background: The present investigation was carried out in 50 diverse blackgram genotypes during rabi 2021-22 in three different locations viz., Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (E1), National Pulses Research Institute, Vamban (E2) and a farmer’s field at Vizhudhudayan, Ariyalur district (E3) for exploring the genetic variability of the blackgram genotypes over environments. Methods: The data on 10 quantitative traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, total number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) were subjected to genetic variability analysis. Result: The traits viz., plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, total number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) revealed a high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Hence, these traits may be given much importance during selection due to their additive gene action. These results might render yield enhancement in future breeding programs.