Variability Studies in Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus L.)

Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) is an important leguminous vegetable crop grown throughout the country and is commonly known as Sem. It is potentially an herbaceous perennial but cultivated as an annual with bushy, erect or climbing races. Thirty one genotypes of Dolichos bean were evaluated to study the genetic variability on yield, yield contributing and related characters. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were calculated. These genotypes showed considerable amount of variability for all the characters studied. The highest and lowest coefficient of variation was observed for pod yield per hectare and days to first pod harvest respectively. Little or no difference between the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability in the expression of various horticultural traits studied indicated that these were less influenced by environment. All these traits except days to first pod harvest, pod width and number of grains per pod exhibited higher heritability coupled with high genetic advance which suggests the role of additive gene action in the expression of these characters.