Abstract

Ten varieties of moth bean {Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal} were evaluated for seed yield and its components under rainfed conditions during kharif 2006 and 2007. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for days to flowering, plant height, peduncle length, days to maturity and seed yield/plant. The variabilities recorded were highest in seed yield/plant and peduncle length, and high for plant height, and moderate for days to flowering and 100-seed weight. Days to flowering, peduncle length and plant height had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Pod length was the only character, which had significant positive association with seed yield/plant whereas petiole length and days to maturity had significant negative association with seed yield. Association analysis showed that for higher seed yield, longer pods, short leaf stalk and early maturity should be given emphasis in breeding programme of moth bean. Among all the varieties tested, RMO 257 was identified as the best seed yielder for arid environment.

Keywords: Correlation, genetic advance, heritability, mothbean, seed yield, variability.