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EVALUATION OF BLACKGRAM VIGNA MUNGO (L.) HEPPER GERMPLASM

A. GHAFOOR, A. SHARIF* AND M. TAHlR

Abstract: Two hundred and eighty five blackgram germplasm accessions, collected from different parts of Pakistan were evaluated for morphological and agronomical traits. The evaluation results based on basic statistics and correlation studies blazed good hope for blackgram improvement through simple selection for maturity, branches, pods, biomass, grain yield and harvest index. Classification of quantitative traits showed some outstanding accessions with unique traits which could be exploited directly or be included in hybridization programme for blackgram improvement. Data analyzed on the basis of harvest index revealed that the genotypes within 25 to 40% harvest index exhibited better performance for most of the yield contributing traits. As a result of these findings, 25 genotypes were selected and recommended for further testing under wide range of agro-ecological conditions in search of the best blackgram cultivars.

Plant Genetic Resources Institute (PGRI), National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Department of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.