Heritability and genetic advance studies for qualitative and quantitative traits in black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)

The heritability (narrow sense) and genetic advance in percentage of mean for ten characters were estimated based on genetic components derived from diallel analysis involving 10 homozygous parents of diverse origin. The heritability ranged from 1.70 to 46.48% in F1and 19.85 to 58.69% in F2. High estimates of heritability (>30%) were recorded for days to flower, maturity and plant height in both F1and F2 while the test weight, grain yield/plant, protein content and methionine content exhibits high heritability only in F2 generation. Moderate i.e. 10 to 30% heritability estimates for pod length, seeds/pod and harvest index were visible in F1 and F2 generations. The genetic advance over the mean of respective traits were maximum for plant height followed by days to flower, methionine content, harvest index, protein content and days to maturity. The highest heritability ranged from 30 to 52% indicated that there is considerable involvement of non-additive gene action. Therefore, biparental mating and thereafter progeny selection may be used full to achieve anticipated genetic advance for desired segregants.