Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part V (2025)

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the genetic variability and mean performance of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) genotypes for pod yield, yield components and quality traits. The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-2022 at the PG Research Block, College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Telangana. A total of forty-five genotypes, including the check variety Arka Adarsh, were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with two replications. Observations were recorded on sixteen characters comprising growth, yield, yield-attributing and quality traits.

Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. Vine length varied from 217.50 to 429.35 cm with a mean of 366.55 cm, while the number of primary branches per plant ranged from 2.88 to 4.77 with a mean of 3.64. Days to 50 per cent flowering ranged from 51.06 to 102.50 days and days to first harvest from 82.96 to 135.92 days, indicating wide variation in earliness among genotypes. The number of pods per plant showed considerable variation, ranging from 43.00 to 149.50, with a mean of 65.64. Pod length and pod width ranged from 4.86 to 13.47 cm and 0.79 to 4.74 cm, respectively. Pod yield per plant varied widely from 189.45 to 702.67 g, with a mean of 343.98 g, indicating significant yield potential among the genotypes. The genotype IC-598467 recorded the highest pod yield per plant (702.67 g), while IC-261004 also showed superior yield (648.45 g) compared to the check (633.50 g). Quality traits also exhibited wide variability. Protein content ranged from 14.54 to 20.29%, reducing sugars from 0.41 to 1.26% and total sugars from 0.71 to 1.50%. The genotype IC-261004 recorded the highest protein content (20.29%), while IC-546387 recorded the highest total sugar content (1.50%).

Overall, the study identified IC-598467 as a promising genotype for pod yield and yield-attributing traits, while IC-261004 was superior for protein content. These genotypes can be effectively utilized in future dolichos bean improvement programmes.