Multivariate Selection of High-Performing Green Gram Accessions Based on Yield and Component Traits

Abstract

  The present study was undertaken to evaluate eleven green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) accessions to identify superior genotypes based on yield and key yield-associated traits. The experiment was conducted in the Experimental Field of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala (10°32’11’’N and 76°16’43’’E and 97m above mean sea level) during June to August, 2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant genotypic correlations were observed between yield per plant and number of pods per plant, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, and pod length. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of pods per plant and pod length exerted strong positive and direct effects on yield indicating their values as primary selection criteria. Superior accessions were identified by integrating yield performance with favourable trait expression. Results obtained from the two approaches were almost comparable. Among the different multivariate approaches examined for constructing a selection index, the PCA biplot proved particularly effective for visualizing trait relationships and discriminating high-performing accessions. The findings provide a practical framework for trait-based selection in green gram improvement programs.