Analysis of genetic variability and selection for high fodder productivity in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) under rainfed condition

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) is an important annual legume crop which is mainly grown in north-western India during rainy (kharif) season. It is used for vegetable, feed, forage and variety of products of industrial use. Two hundred thirty germplasm lines of cluster bean were evaluated at IGFRI-Western Regional Research Station, Avikanagar during kharif 2011–2013 for fodder yield. The analysis of variance showed significant variability for green and dry fodder yields, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant, per cent dry matter and leaf: stem ratio. The estimate of genotypic coefficient of variance was ranged from 11.5% (leaf: stem ratio) to 46.6% (green fodder yield) and heritability ranged from 27.5% (leaf: stem ratio) to 65.2% (number of branches/plant). Genotypic correlation coefficient showed that green fodder yield was positive and significantly associated with days to flowering, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant and leaf: stem ratio. The green fodder yield ranged from 194 to 298 q/ha with mean value of 232 q/ha while dry fodder yield ranged from 42 to 66 q/ha with mean value of 54 q/ha. Dry matter and leaf: stem ratio ranged from 19.7 to 27.8% and 0.9 to 1.6, respectively. In general fodder type genotypes are late maturing and taller in height with more branches and high leaf: stem ratio. Six genotypes viz., AVKG-181, AVKG-179, AVKG-192, AVKG177, AVKG-146 and AVKG-162 showed superiority for green and dry fodder yields ranging from 3.1 to 15.5% and 5.5 to 16.7%, respectively over best check.