GENETIC DIVERGENCE AMONG FIELD BEAN (Lablab purpureus L Sweet) CULTNARS OF SOUTHERN KARNATAKA

Abstract

A total of 144 collections of field bean belonging to southern Karnataka revealed considerable diversity. The accessions were grouped into 15 dusters. The genetic diversity observed was not related to geographic diversity. Grain yield, pods per plant, inflorescence per plant, branches per plant and days to 50% flowering were the most potential traits contributing to the total divergence. Clusters XV and VIII were important because they comprised accessions with high yield, pod number, inflorescence per plant and branches per plant (duster XV) and early duration and photoinsensitivity (duster VIII). By utilizing these acq:ssions desirable segregants may be evolved through hybridization