Studies on variability, associations and genetic divergence for green manuring traits in Sunnhemp (Crotalaria Spp.)

The present study was conducted to assess the variability, heritability and relationships of green manuring traits at 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) and genetic diversity in different genotypes of Sunnhemp. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher for plant height, green and dry biomass at 45 DAS than at 60 DAS and for root nodule characters at 60 DAS than at 45 DAS. Heritability estimates were higher for ail the characters at 60 days stage than at 45 days stage. Significant positive relationship was observed among the plant height, green and dry biomass at both the stages and among root nodule characters at 60 DAS. Path analysis showed high positive direct effect of green biomass towards dry biomass both at 45 and 60 DAS. Based on D² values, 30 genotypes were grouped into 9 clusters. Cluster II was the biggest with 9 genotypes followed by cluster I with 7 genotypes. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VI, and VII. The genotype Crota-GKVK-2, Crota-GKVK-3 (cluster VI) and Crota-L-1 (cluster VII) were found promising and genetically diverse for hybridization to generate more variability and for the selection of desirable segregants.