Genetic divergence in blackgram

Multivariate analysis of divergence among 50 genotypes of blackgram for eight characters revealed considerable genetic diversity among genotypes and led to their grouping into seven clusters. The cluster I was the largest containing 24 genotypes followed by cluster II with 20 genotypes. Cluster VI had two genotypes and rest four clusters (III, IV, V and VII) had one genotype each. Pods per plant contributed maximum towards divergence followed by days to 50% flowering and seed yield per plant. The genotypes included in the diverse clusters can be used as promising parents in intermating for obtaining high heterotic response and better segregants.