Diversity analysis of mungbean (Vigna radiata) germplasm using a semi-graphical technique

Abstract

Grain legumes such as mungbean are often co-cultivated with cereals. The genetic diversity among 84 mungbean genotypes was studied using metroglyph and principal component analysis. Data were recorded for days to flowering and maturity, plant height, pods per plant, clusters per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, 1 000 seed weight and yield per plant. The genotypes were distinguished into seven groups. Group VI was the largest containing 36 genotypes, followed by group IV with 18 genotypes. Index scores for different groups ranged from 13 to 19, obtained for Groups I and II, respectively, and showed the diversity among the groups. Group VII consisted of 12 genotypes and the average index score was 17.25, which was close to that of Group II. The index score of Group III was 15, which was similar to the central point of these two extremes. Therefore, the genotypes falling in various groups can be crossed aimed at maximum good combinations of different characters. Principal component (PC)-1 and PC-2 collectively predicted 69% of variation. PC-2 was positively associated with 1 000 seed weight, pod length and seed yield per plant for accession numbers 27, 41, 60, 61, 64 and 66. Consequently, these accessions may be used in breeding programmes for better yield.