INVESTIGATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN BLACK GRAM [VIGNA MUNGO (L.) HEPPER]

In the present investigation 34 Pakistani Black gram cultivars were evaluated through morphological traits, SDS-PAGE analysis and random amplified polymorphic markers (RAPD) which revealed considerable amount of genetic diversity in this species. Among the morphological traits, dry pod weight (71.79%), number of branches per plant (51.16%) and biological yield (50.12%) showed highest level of coefficient of variation. Percent frequency distribution also showed highest level of genetic diversity. Positive significant correlation was observed between numbers of pods per plant and dry pod length (p=0.01); grain yield and number of seeds per plant (p=0.02), and 100 seeds weight and biological yield (p=0.04). A total of 20 cultivars were identified and characterized on the basis of maximum and minimum value for 10 quantitative traits. The combinations of 20 cultivars are having practical application for breeding program as well as for direct selection of super cultivar. Among the biochemical and molecular makers, RAPD marker showed high level genetic similarity difference (0.00-4.00) as compared to SDS-PAGE (0.00-2.45). RAPD analysis is considered the best option for determining Black gram genetic diversity pattern and Gene Bank management.