Genetic variability and characters of association for yield and its components in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Abstract

Seventy-three pigeon pea genotypes along with three checks were evaluated to assess genetic variability parameters, correlation and path coefficients among the yield and yield component traits. Analysis of variance showed significant difference for all the characters under study except number of seeds per pod and pod length. The maximum PCV and GCV were observed for days to maturity and days to 50% flowering while the minimum for number of seeds per pods. Heritability in broad sense was high for days to 50% flowering followed by biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant whereas high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for days to 50% flowering followed by days to maturity. Characters namely days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, showed positive significant correlation with seed yield both at phenotypic and genotypic level. Harvest index, days to maturity, 100-seed weight, number of primary branches per plant and pod length highest exerted positive direct effect on seed yield per plant.