Genetic divergence, variability and character association in landraces of blackgram (Vigna Mungo [L.] Hepper) from Odisha

155 Blackgram or urdbean (Vigna mungo [L.] Hepper) is an important grain legume with easily digestible protein and low flatulence contents. It is highly prized pulse, rich in phosphoric acid. Grain of Black gram grain contains about 25% protein, 56% carbohydrate, 2% fat, 4% minerals and 0.4% vitamins. Urd is said to have originated in India where it is most widely grown and highly esteemed grain legume (Chatterjee and Bhattacharya, 1986). According to Vavilov (1926), blackgram has originated from Indian subcontinent. The present productivity levels of black gram in India are very low. Efforts to genetically improve the crop are still at low ebb. Further, it has been the least studied crop among the pulses and no international system under the CGIAR has this as a mandate crop (Ghafoor et al., 2000). The proper estimate of nature and magnitude of diversity in a crop is essential to infer about extent of variation available for yield and its component traits. The selection of highly genetically divergent parents is expected to throw superior and desirable segregants following crossing (Bhatt, 1973).