Assessment of trait association and genetic divergence in a diverse panel of eldpea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes

Abstract

One hundred and twenty six eldpea genotypes were evaluated for eight yield attributing traits in augmented design during Rabi 2018-19 to ascertain genetic divergence, correlation and path coefcients. Seed yield had signicant positive association with days to maturity, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds and 100-seed weight. Path analysis revealed maximum positive direct effect of 100-seed weight followed by number of pods, number of seeds per pod, days to owering and number of branches therefore, these traits may be considered of prime importance in formulating selection criteria for improvement of yield in eldpea. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped these genotypes into ten discrete clusters containing one to 46 genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster VIII and IX. Cluster VII had highest mean values for number of pods, number of seeds, seed yield and 100-seed weight. Based on yield and other traits studied, the genotypes viz., HFP 1104, HFP 1201 (early in owering and maturity with medium tall plant height, good number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield per plant), HUDP 1301 (medium owering and maturity), SPC 1-01, IPF 11-13, Pant P-42, NDPT 2017-04, Pant P-339 (early owering and maturity, tall plant height and medium 100-seed weight) and RFP 11-09, HFP 1125, RFPG 114 (medium dwarf plant height with very good number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight) were found genetically diverse with superior per se performance and these can be used in hybridization programmes for further improvement of eld pea.