Diversity in greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) germplasm collection and its potential use in crop improvement

Greengram or mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), which originated in the Indian sub-continent, is an important pulse crop in India. Genetic diversity and patterns of variation among 111 accessions representing the better agronomic types from the entire collection of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources were studied. Wide variation in morphological and agronomic traits viz. number of pods per plant, yield per plant, 100-seed weight, fruit setting capacity, flowering period, maturity, number of pod bearing peduncles, plant height, number of primary branches, length of branch, nodulation and leafiness was observed. Grain yield was found to be significantly correlated with 100-seed weight and pod length. The data were subjected to cluster and principal components analysis. The accessions were grouped into six discrete and well-defined clusters. The study demonstrated the patterns of variation at the population level. The multivariate analysis was useful in identifying a group of accessions with yield enhancing traits within a highly diverse group of accessions and their potential value in greengram improvement is suggested.