Abstract

                                A wealth of variability is the prime requirement for improvement of any crop. Amongst the pulses, beans (Dolichos lablab var. lignosus.) is consumed in a large quantity all over the country as a dry pulse as well as a vegetable when green. This crop possesses a wide range of variability that can be tapped for evolving high yielding types but practically no information is available regarding the range of phenotypic variation in some of its important yield contributing agronomic characters. The present investigation was undertaken with a view to ascertaining the actual and relative variability present in some yield contributing characters, to determine the heritable component of the actual variability and to obtain information on the pheno- typic and genetic correlations between different characters so that the pulse breeders can get some idea regarding the behaviour of these characters and use them while planning for the improvement of this crop.

Key words :