Not AvailableVelvet bean is an important underutilized medicinal plant widely used in traditional system of medicine. Its
seed are rich in protein, minerals and as a major source of biomolecule L-Dopa, which is used for the treatment of
Parkinson’s disease. Seeds of six parents and 15 hybrids resulting from half-diallel design excluding reciprocals
were analysed for various biochemical traits such as L-Dopa, total phenols, total tannins, crude protein and fat.
The sca variance was greater than gca variance for biochemical traits. This indicated that the predominance of
non-additive gene action governing the inheritance of these characters. The present study identified hybrids IIHR
Selection 2 × Arka Aswini, Arka Aswini × IIHR Selection LP, Arka Dhanvantari × Arka Aswini, Arka Dhanvantari
× IIHR Selection 3 with high average heterosis and heterobeltiosis for L-Dopa, total phenols and total tannins.
The crosses IIHR Selection 3 × IIHR Selection LP and IIHR Selection 2 × IIHR Selection LP have manifested
high heterosis over mid parent and better parent for protein. IIHR Selection 2 was a good general combiner for
high L-Dopa and total phenolics. Arka Aswinini was identified as best general combiner for total tannin. Arka
Dhanvantari and IIHR Selection 3 were found to be good general combiners for protein and fat. The Hybrids
Arka Dhanvantari × Arka Aswini and IIHR Selection 2 × Arka Aswini were best cross combiners for high L-Dopa
for pharmaceutical use and Arka Dhanvantari × IIHR Selection 2 for low L-Dopa for food and feed purpose. The
cross IIHR Selection 3 × IIHR Selection LP was best specific cross combiner for protein content, which could
be used in the future breeding programme of velvet bean.Not Availabl
