DUS Trait Evaluation in Urdbean Genotypes: Implications for Breeding through Morphological Markers

Abstract

Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) is most prevalent types out of pluses crops. In this research, comprehensive evaluation of 96 Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) genotypes, which included two check varieties, to assess genetic variation across 21 distinct morphological traits. The present investigation was conducted in Randomized complete block design at JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). The observations were taken at various stages of the plant's development. Determine the important morphological traits using PPV&FRA descriptors. These characteristics encompass a broad spectrum, including hypocotyl anthocyanin coloration, timing of flowering, growth and habit of the plant, stem color and pubescence, leaf shape, foliage and vein color, leaf pubescence, petiole color, pod characteristics (including green color intensity in immature pods and pubescence, peduncle length, pod length and color, plant height, and several seed traits (color, shape, luster, and size). Our analysis revealed substantial variability in 19 morphological traits out of the 21 traits evaluated under Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) traits. However, there is no significant variation was detected in the traits of anthocyanin pigment and plant habit while in remaining 19 traits significant variation was observed. As a result, these traits have a distinct morphological identity that will make identification easier. For simple visibility of varietal associated traits during maintenance and resistance breeding programs, this attributes might be taken into consideration in the development of the urdbean variety.