Genetic variability studies for lodging resistance and yield attributes in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

Genetic variability and nature of association among lodging resistance and yield and yield related components were assessed in 56 diverse pea genotypes. The high estimates of PCV and GCV for lodging score, plant height, pods per plant and seed yield per plant revealed that genotypes had a broad genetic background and would respond to selection. Correlation studies revealed that lodging score was negatively associated with pods per plant, test weight and seed yield per plant. However, lodging score and internode of first bent was significantly and positively correlated with days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height. Cluster analysis grouped 56 pea genotypes into 5 genetically diverse clusters. Based on inter cluster distance and per se performance, HUDP 11 and HUDP 6, RILSF 37 and RILSF 4 exhibiting high seed yield per plant alongwith earliness to 50% flowering and days to maturity could be ideally used as parents in pea breeding programmes.