Genetic divergence in lablab bean [Lablab purpureas (L.) Sweet]

Abstract

The lablab bean [Lablab purpureas (L.) Sweet] is an important leguminous vegetable grown for its nutritious tender pod. It is a self pollinated crop but cross pollination (25-30%) has also been reported. Hence, over long period of time, a high degree of genetic diversity has been emerged within the species [4]. The yield improvement in this crop can be achieved through selection of superior genotypes with desirable traits existing in nature. Mahalanobis [1] D2 statistics which is based on the multivariate analysis of quantitative trait is a powerful tool for measuring divergence among a set populations. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the multivariate analysis of genetic divergence in local landraces of lablab bean.