Vol. 10, Special Issue 1, Part N (2026)

The success of any crop improvement programme depends on the magnitude of genetic variability present in the breeding material. The present investigation was carried out to estimate the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for fourteen morpho-physiological, yield and quality traits in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). Fifty-nine genotypes, including checks, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during kharif season. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial variability. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, suggesting limited environmental influence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for seed yield per plant, plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of branches per plant, iron content and zinc content, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. These traits can be effectively exploited through direct selection for yield and nutritional improvement in blackgram. The present investigation was carried out to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for fourteen morpho-physiological, yield and nutritional characters in blackgram. Fifty-nine genotypes, including checks, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during the kharif season. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of ample variability. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was marginally higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, suggesting limited environmental influence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for seed yield per plant, plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of branches per plant, iron content and zinc content, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. Hence, these traits can be effectively improved through direct selection in blackgram breeding programmes.