Selection strategy for seed yield and maturity in field pea (Pisum sativum L. arvense)

Abstract

The experimental material consisting of 19 genotypes of field pea were grown during Rabi 2009-2010 to study genetic variation, character association and direct effects of component characters on yield and maturity. Analysis of variance was highly significant for all the characters studied, indicating ample scope of selection. High magnitude of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were recorded for seed yield per plant followed by number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight, whereas low estimates were observed for number of seeds per pod, plant height, days to 50% flowering, pod length and days to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for seed yield per plant followed by number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight. However, high heritability associated with moderate genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per pod, plant height, days to 50% flowering and pod length. Seed yield per plant had significant and positive association with pods per plant but it had significant negative association with days to maturity. Path coefficient analysis revealed that pods per plant had greatest positive effect on seed yield per plant followed by pod length, 100 seed weight, days to 50% flowering and seed yield per plant while, the direct negative effect on seed yield per plant were exhibited by plant height and days to maturity. The study revealed that greater emphasis should be given to these characters for yield improvement. Key words: Field pea, genetic variation, heritability, correlation, path coefficient, yield.