Interspecific Hybridization Among Vigna Species to Create New Superior Variety Containing High Protein and Anthocyanin

Abstract

Genetic variability along with genetic advance of traits is essential for crop improvement. Interspecific hybridization has great potential for the improvement of Vigna germplasm, as it creates genetic variation and is a valuable tool for transferring genes controlling traits from one species to another. The main objective of this research was to improve genetic variability and genetic background of Vigna germplasm through interspecific hybridization. Four varieties of Vigna radiata with different characteristics were crossed with two genotypes of Vigna umbellata and four genotypes of Vigna unguiculata were crossed with superior variety of Vigna sesquipedalis. The hybrids were found to be viable and fertile. Genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were different among cross combinations and among quantitative traits. There were interspecific hybrids of V. unguiculata x V. sesquipedalis having good prospect to be developed become hybrid vegetable bean containing high protein and anthocyanin. Through interspecific hybridization and backcrossing of superior hybrids to their parents had improved genetic variability especially number of pods per plant, pod length, plant height, pod texture, and nutrition content. The magnitude of differences between phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were low for all the observed characters. By crossing among vigna species, some superior characters can be obtained.