Variability and Character Association Studies in Dolichos Bean

Dolichos bean (Labalab purpureus L.) 2n = 22 is one of the most ancient crop among cultivated plants belonging to family leguminosae. It is commonly called as Hyacinth bean, Bonavist bean, Indian bean, Field bean, Egyptian bean, Sem, Wal in Maharashtra and Avare in Karnataka state. It is originated from tropical Asia, probably in India and from there it was introduced to China, Sudan and Egypt. Dolichos bean is multipurpose crop grown for pulse, vegetable and forage. This crop is grown for it¿s green pods, while dry seeds are used in various vegetable food preparation. It is also grown in home gardens as an annual crop or on fences as perennial crop. The genetic variability, characters association and path coefficient are pre-requisite for improvement of any crop for the selection of superior genotypes and improvement of any traits. Moreover, knowledge of heritability is essential for selection based improvement as it indicates extent of transmissibility of character in future generations. Path analysis helps us in partitioning total correlations into direct and indirect contribution thereby suggesting the degree of importance of each of character towards yield.