Genetic divergence in Indian bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)

Fifty eight diverse genotypes of lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) were evaluated for their genetic divergence for grain yield and yield contributing characters. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters on the basis of relative magnitude of D² values. The maximum genetic distance was observed between cluster IV and cluster VII (45.798) followed by cluster IV and cluster VI (42.723) and cluster III and cluster VII (40.680). Cluster II and cluster III displayed lowest degree of divergence. The maximum intra cluster distance was exhibited by cluster I (22.432) followed by cluster VI (17.807) and cluster V (16.872), whereas minimum was recorded by cluster III. The maximum mean value for grain yield per plant was recorded in cluster III due to maximum number of inflorescences per plant. Protein content followed days to 50% flowering and days to maturity contributed maximum towards total divergence.