Analysis of Genetic Variation and Correlation for Yield and its Component Traits among Different Genotypes of Yardlong Bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt]

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Yardlong bean [Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt], is significant among legume vegetable crops. Due to seasonal variation, global warming and climate change can significantly impact its cultivation, yield and production. Considering this, the present study with 25-yard-long bean genotypes collected from various parts of Kerala was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence for thirteen traits related to morphology and yield of yard long bean. Methods: Thirteen quantitative traits were recorded in 25-yard-long bean genotypes under the design of randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The research trial was conducted during Kharif and Rabi season (Two season). Data analysed using R studio 4.4. To examine the data for correlation and variability, two programs are used. Result: The study of 25 yardlong bean genotypes across two seasons (Kharif and Rabi) revealed significant genetic variation for yield and morphological traits. The traits include number of pods per plant, yield per vine, individual pod weight and yield per hectare showed high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and detected considerable variability. This indicates that these traits possess substantial genetic potential for improvement through selection. High broad-sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance (GAM) was observed for pod length, number of pods per plant, pod yield per vine, individual pod weight and yield per hectare. These results suggest these traits are primarily controlled by additive gene action, making them highly effective criteria for simple selection in breeding programs. Yield per hectare showed a positive association with pod yield per vine (r = 0.999 to 1.000) and strong associations with individual pod weight (r = 0.903 to 0.936) and number of pods per plant (r = 0.471 to 0.724). G19 was observed as a superior genotype recording the highest pod yield per vine (up to 1.36 kg), the highest yield per hectare (up to 25.17 t) and the highest 100-seed weight (up to 23.58 g) perform better than the check genotypes in yield attributing characters, which could be used as selection criteria to enhance yield in the yardlong bean breeding program.