Pigeonpea Genotypes Research Articles

Genetic diversity studies in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

Genetic diversity using Mahalanobis D-square (D2) techniques was studied for yield and yield contributing traits of 100 genotypes of pigeonpea. These genotypes were grouped into nine clusters.The greatest distance between two clusters was existed between cluster VII and III (727.38) indicating greatest divergence, followed by cluster VIII and III (630.51), cluster IX and V (604.66), cluster V and III (580.32) and cluster VIII and V (573.60). Whereas the least distance was recorded between cluster V and IV (71.57) followed by cluster III and II (122.10), cluster IV and I (217.85), cluster II and I (219.33) indicating least genetic divergence among genotypes. The intra cluster values varied from 0.00 to 139.00. The maximum intra-cluster distance was noticed in cluster I (139.00).

Multi-environment testing for G×E interactions and identification of high-yielding, stable, medium-duration pigeonpea genotypes employing AMMI, GGE biplot, and YREM analyses.

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] is a widely grown pulse with high seed protein content that contributes to food and nutritional security in the Indian subcontinent. The majority of pigeonpea varieties cultivated in India are of medium duration (<180 days to maturity), which makes it essential for breeders to focus on the development of stable high-yielding varieties. The diverse agroecological regime in the Indian subcontinent necessitates an efficient multi-environment study by taking into consideration genotype (G) × environment (E) interaction (GEI) that has a significant impact on traits like grain yield (GY) in developing high-yielding and widely adaptable varieties. In the present study, 37 pigeonpea genotypes were evaluated during the 2021 rainy season at ARS Badnapur, ARS Tandur, BAU Ranchi, GKVK Bengaluru, and ICRISAT Patancheru. The GEI was significant on the grain yield (p < 0.01), and hence, genotype + genotype × environment (GGE) and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) biplots along with AMMI stability value (ASV) and yield relative to environmental maximum (YREM) statistics were used to identify stable high-yielding genotypes. The interaction principal component analysis 1 and 2 (IPC1 and IPC2) explained 40.6% and 23.3% variations, respectively. Based on the rankings of genotypes, G37 (ICPL 20205), G35 (ICPL 20203), G8 (ICPL 19404), G17 (ICPL 19415), and G9 (ICPL 19405) were identified as ideal genotypes. Discriminativeness vs. representativeness identified GKVK Bengaluru as an ideal environment for comprehensive evaluation of test genotypes. However, ICPL 19405 was identified as the potentially stable high-yielding genotype for further testing and release across the test environments based on its mean grain yield (1,469.30 kg/ha), least ASV (3.82), and low yield stability index (YSI) of 13.

Methylglyoxal metabolism is altered during defence response in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) against the spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata).

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan ) production can be affected by the spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata ). Here, we identified biochemical changes in plant parts of pigeonpea after M. vitrata infestation. Two pigeonpea genotypes (AL 1747, moderately resistant; and MN 1, susceptible) were compared for glyoxalase and non-glyoxalase enzyme systems responsible for methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione content in leaves, flowers and pods under control and insect-infested conditions. MN 1 had major damage due to M. vitrata infestation compared to AL 1747. Lower accumulation of MG in AL 1747 was due to higher activities of enzymes of GSH-dependent (glyoxylase I, glyoxylase II), GSH-independent (glyoxalase III) pathway, and enzyme of non-glyoxalase pathway (methylglyoxal reductase, MGR), which convert MG to lactate. Decreased glyoxylase enzymes and MGR activities in MN 1 resulted in higher accumulation of MG. Higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in AL 1747 indicates utilisation of MG detoxification pathway. Higher glutathione content in AL 1747 genotype might be responsible for efficient working of MG detoxification pathway under insect infestation. Higher activity of γ-GCS in AL 1747 maintains the glutathione pool, necessary for the functioning of glyoxylase pathway to carry out the detoxification of MG. Higher activities of GST and GPX in AL 1747 might be responsible for detoxification of toxic products that accumulates following insect infestation, and elevated activities of glyoxylase and non-glyoxylase enzyme systems in AL 1747 after infestation might be responsible for reducing reactive cabanoyl stress. Our investigation will help the future development of resistant cultivars.

Biochemical characters conferring resistance against pod borers in pigeonpea genotypes

Biochemical characters conferring resistance against pod borers in pigeonpea genotypes

Morpho-phenological characteristics of exotic pigeon pea genotypes in western Burkina Faso

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is an important legume and multi-use crop, which contributes to food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This crop, however, remains less popular and is thus underutilised in west Africa. The objective of this study was to characterise the morphological and phenological features of exotic pigeon pea genotypes in western Burkina Faso in order to provide an entry point for the breeding programme. The study was conducted at two sites, namely Farakoba and Kouentou, located in western Burkina Faso, involved seven exotic genotypes, namely ICP-15029, ICP-14722, ICP-8863, ICPL-20338, ICPH-2740, ICPH-2438 and ICPL-20092, sourced from ICRISAT, India. Also, two local accessions (FKB Cc1 and FKB Cc2) were included as controls. Results showed that semi-spreading (80% of the genotypes) and indeterminate growth habit (80% of the genotypes) were dominant in the genetic materials, with regards to branching pattern and growth habit, respectively. The genotypes including the two checks, were distinguished by three seed colours, viz. brown (three genotypes), dark brown (four genotypes) and grey (two genotypes). There were highly significant differences among the genotypes for phenological (P&lt;0.001) and morphological (P&lt;0.001) traits. The earliest genotype to flower at both sites was ICPL-20338; while the latest was ICPL-20092. A principal component analysis based on the quantitative traits showed that the first two PCs explained 91.78% of the total variation among the genotypes. The most significant contributor traits were stem diameter, leaf size, 50% flowering and plant height. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into five clusters.

Role of Foliar Growth Retardants on Source Sink Relationship and Photosynthate Partitioning in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Genotypes

Role of Foliar Growth Retardants on Source Sink Relationship and Photosynthate Partitioning in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Genotypes

Multi-Environment Testing Based G × E Interactions Reveal Stable Host-Plant Resistance against Sterility Mosaic Disease in Pigeonpea

Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) is a serious biotic restraint in pigeonpea-growing regions of the Indian subcontinent. Disease control using chemicals like acaricides is not economical or sustainable, pointing towards host plant resistance as the ideal strategy for its management. In this study, from preliminary screening of 75 pigeonpea germplasm accessions and breeding lines, 21 pigeonpea genotypes showing moderate resistance to SMD were selected and again assessed at two multi-environment locations during Kharif 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. Analysis of variance partitioned the variation between the main effects of genotype and genotype × environment (GGE). The results revealed a significant variation (p ˂ 0.05) in the SMD incidence between the tested genotypes, environment, and their interactions. Genotype variance contributed the greatest effect (63.56%) to the total variation and it represents the maximum disease variation. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found for the levels of SMD incidence between the test environments. We observed that SMD incidence had a high negative correlation with the maximum temperature (r = −0.933), and positively correlated with the rainfall (r = 0.502). Analysis of principal components 1 and 2 of the GGE explained 95.33% of the total variation and identified 10 genotypes (G1, G3, G4, G8, G10, G12, G13, G15, G20, and G21) showing moderate resistance stability across the environments. As new sources of resistance to SMD, these genotypes should be incorporated in pigeonpea breeding trials for further release. This research broadens the area of phenotyping and identifies stable resistance sources that can be used in future SMD resistance breeding projects.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of two contrasting genotypes provides new insights into the drought response mechanism in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.).

Despite plant's ability to adapt and withstand challenging environments, drought poses a severe threat to their growth and development. Although pigeon peaisalready quite resistant to drought, the prolonged dehydration induced by the aberrant climate poses a serious threat to their survival and productivity. Comparative physiological and transcriptome analyses of drought-tolerant (CO5) and drought-sensitive (CO1) pigeon pea genotypes subjected to drought stress were carried out in order to understand the molecular basis of drought tolerance in pigeon pea. The transcriptomic analysis allowed us to examine how drought affects the gene expression of C. cajan. Using bioinformatics tools, the unigenes were de novo assembled, annotated, and functionally evaluated. Additionally, a homology-based sequence search against the droughtDB database was performedto identify the orthologs of the DEGs. 1102 potential drought-responsive genes werefound to be differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive genotypes. These included Abscisic acid insensitive 5 (ABI5), Nuclear transcription factor Y subunit A-7 (NF-YA7), WD40 repeat-containing protein 55 (WDR55), Anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) and Zinc-finger homeodomain protein 6 (ZF-HD6) andwere highly expressed in the tolerant genotype. Further, GO analysis revealed that the most enriched classes belonged to biosynthetic and metabolic processes in the biological process category, binding and catalytic activity in the molecular function category and nucleus and protein-containing complex in the cellular component category. Results of KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly abundant in signalling pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction and MAPK signalling pathways. Consequently, in our investigation, we have identified and validated by qPCR a group of genes involved in signal reception and propagation, stress-specific TFs, and basal regulatory genes associated with drought response. In conclusion, our comprehensive transcriptome dataset enabled the discovery of candidate genes connected to pathways involved in pigeon pea drought response. Our research uncovered a number of unidentified genes and transcription factors that could be used to understand andimprove susceptibility to drought.

Yield Stability Analysis of Late Set Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L.) Genotypes

Pigeon pea breeding program in Ethiopia has been started recently and is actively involved in improving the genetic yield potential to meet the needs of farmers in different parts of the country through genotype introduction. Since performance of the genotypes depends on the genetic potential of the crop and the environment in which the crop is grown, this study aimed at the evaluation of yield performance and stability of six late set pigeon pea genotypes including the standard check. Yield performances were evaluated at five locations namely Bako, Billo, Gute, Uke and Chewaka in parts of western Oromia during 2021 main growing seasons. The experiment in each location was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results showed that the yield performances of late set pigeon pea genotypes were highly influenced by genotype-environment interaction (GEI). The yield components were significantly affected by GEI. The partitioning of the G + GE sum of squares showed that IPCA1 and IPCA2 were significant components which accounted for 29.72 % and 34.86 % of G + GE sum of squares, respectively. Highly significant mean square was observed for genotypes, genotypes by Environment interaction and environment indicating adaptation for high performance environments showing these genotypes were sensitive to environments and gave maximum yield when inputs are not limited. Genotypes ICEAP 01499 and ICEAP 01489 were stable and had relatively high yield performances across test environments. Hence, these two genotypes were identified as candidate genotypes to be verified for possible release in the subsequent season for Western Oromia and areas with similar agro-ecologies.

Performance of Pigeonpea Varieties against Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) for Rainfed Regions of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Pigeonpea is one of India's most important grain legumes, accounting for 90 per cent of global production. It is primarily farmed and consumed in poor nations, with India being a major producer. The area under Red gram crop in Prakasam district is about 1,00,000 hectares, which is under Rainfed cultivation during Kharif season, as a sole crop. The occurrence of Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) has resulted in significant yield loss over the last three years in Prakasam District. As a result, the current study was done to investigate the performance of seven varieties for the disease incidence and yield attributes that are suitable for rainfed region of Prakasam district were evaluated. Among the varieties evaluated, no disease incidence was observed in BSMR 736 (842 kg/ha), ICPL87119 (816 kg/ha) followed by TRG 59 with disease incidence of 8.67 per cent and yield of 756 kg/ha. The variety GRG 152 recorded disease incidence of 4.47 per cent and yield of 610 kg/ha. The variety LRG 105 recorded disease incidence of 26.33 per cent and yield of 546 kg/ha which was found to be moderately resistant. These findings are important for choosing resistant genotypes and can be used to validate and generate more SMD resistant pigeonpea genotypes in the future.

Nitric oxide and AMF-mediated regulation of soil enzymes activities, cysteine-H2S system and thiol metabolites in mitigating chromium (Cr (VI)) toxicity in pigeonpea genotypes.

Cr (VI) hampers plant growth and yield by reducing essential nutrient uptake as it competes for phosphate and sulfate transporters. Nitric oxide (NO) and mycorrhization play important roles in mitigating Cr (VI) toxicity. Present study aimed to compare the potential of AMF (Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi)-Rhizoglomus intraradices and NO (0.25mM) in alleviating Cr (VI) stress (0, 10 and 20mg/kg) in two differentially tolerant pigeonpea genotypes (Pusa 2001 and AL 201). Cr (VI) toxicity reduced growth, mycorrhizal colonization, nutrient uptake, and overall productivity by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, with AL 201 more sensitive than Pusa 2001. NO and AM enhanced activities of soil enzymes, thereby increasing nutrients availability as well as their uptake, with AM more effective than NO. Both amendments reduced oxidative stress and restricted Cr (VI) uptake by increasing the activities of antioxidant and S- assimilatory enzymes, with Pusa 2001 more responsive than AL 201. NO was relatively more efficient in regulating cysteine-H2S system by increasing the activities of biosynthetic enzymes (ATP-sulfurylase (ATPS), O-acetylserine thiol lyase (OASTL), D-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) and L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD), while AM significantly increased glutathione reductase (GR), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS) enzymes activities and resultant glutathione (GSH), phytochelatins (PCs), and non-protein thiols (NP-SH) synthesis. Moreover, co-application of NO and AM proved to be highly beneficial in negating the toxic effects of Cr (VI) due to functional complementarity between them. Study suggested the combined use of NO and AM as a useful strategy in re-establishing pigeonpea plants growing in Cr (VI)-stressed environments.

Identification, characterization, and comprehensive expression profiling of floral master regulators in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan [L.] Millspaugh).

Pigeon pea is an important protein-rich pulse crop. Identification of flowering master regulators in pigeon pea is highly imperative as indeterminacy and late flowering are impediments towards yield improvement. A genome-wide analysis was performed to explore flowering orthologous groups in pigeon pea. Among the 412 floral orthologs identified in pigeon pea, 148 genes belong to the meristem identity, photoperiod-responsive, and circadian clock-associated ortholog groups. Our comparative genomics study revealed purifying selection pressures (ka/ks) on floral orthologs, and duplication patterns and evolution through synteny with other model species. Phylogenetic analysis of floral genes substantiated a connection between pigeon pea plant architecture and flowering time as all the PEBP domain-containing genes belong to meristem identity floral networks of pigeon pea. Expression profiling of eleven major orthologs in contrasting determinate and indeterminate genotypes indicated that these orthologs might be involved in flowering regulation. Expression of floral inducer, FT, and floral repressor, TFL1, was non-comparable in indeterminate genotypes across all the developmental stages of pigeon pea. However, dynamic FT/TFL1 expression ratio detected in all tissues of both the genotypes suggested their role in floral transition. One TFL1 ortholog having high sequence conserveness across pigeon pea genotypes showed differential expression indicating genotype-dependent regulation of this ortholog. Presence of conserved 6mA-methylation patterns in light-responsive elements and in other cis-regulatory elements of FT and TFL1 across different plant genotypes indicated possible involvement of epigenetic regulation in flowering.

Genetic analysis of tolerance to transient waterlogging stress in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh)

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh) is mainly grown in the rainfed ecosystem during the monsoon season on deep vertisols, and it often faces transient waterlogging problems due to continuous and heavy downpours during early monsoon seasons. Thus, waterlogging has become a significant issue in most of the pigeonpea growing areas of the semi-arid tropics due to heavy rain during the initial crop growth stage, which causes 30 to 40% economic yield loss in India and around the world. Only a few sources of waterlogging tolerant genotypes are available in pigeonpea but are not in the required duration. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to identify waterlogging tolerant pigeonpea genotypes in different durations suitable for different agroecologies of India and to find ideal selection indices as appropriate strategies to identify waterlogging tolerant genotypes. In this study, 162 genotypes were screened under in vitro conditions for 2, 4, 6, and 8 days by submerging seeds. Of these, 33 genotypes could survive for eight days. Further, following a standard screening protocol; these 33 pigeonpea genotypes were screened under pot culture for two years (2020 and 2021). Based on different morpho-physiological parameters and waterlogging tolerant coefficient, genotypes ICP-10397, ICP-7507, ICP-7869, ICP-7148, ICP-4903 ICP-16309, ICP-7375, ICP-6815, ICP-7507, and ICP-6128 were identified as tolerant to transient waterlogging. In addition, this study reports the existence of substantial genetic variation for waterlogging tolerant traits in pigeonpea. Stress indices, such as stress tolerance index) (STI), mean relative performance (MRP) and relative efficiency index (REI) were identified as the ideal selection index. Therefore, identified genotypes are further validated and can be deployed in waterlogging tolerance pigeonpea breeding programs

Genetic analysis and characterization of diverse pigeonpea genotypes for yield-enhancing traits

Genetic analysis and characterization of diverse pigeonpea genotypes for yield-enhancing traits

Microsatellite Markers Based Molecular Variability among Locally Collected Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Genotypes

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important deep-rooted pulse crop, predominantly cultivated in rainfed areas by small and marginal farmers in India and South Africa. The crop’s productivity is severely constrained due to abiotic and biotic stresses in its agro-ecosystem. Molecular variability assessment in pigeonpea can be the key for successful breeding to mitigate the crop from future biotic and abiotic stresses. Molecular markers based genetic diversity analysis was done to evaluate locally collected 32 genotypes of pigeonpea. Total 20 microsatellite markers were used in the present analysis. Pigeonpea genotypes had higher level of genetic diversity. Microsatellite markers were able to discriminate the studied genotypes into three clusters. Most of the genotypes were grouped together according to their collection sites. The findings of the present study open the window of opportunity, for future research and exploitation of these locally collected genotypes for pigeonpea crop improvement.

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Variability Study on Early Maturing Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Lines

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (2n=22)] is the second most important pulse crop in India after chickpea. In the present study, two-hundred early maturing (less than 140 days) pigeonpea germplasm accessions were evaluated for their genetic parameters based on morphological characters and were subsequently characterized as per the DUS descriptors for pigeonpea. Genetic variability of the population was assessed through genetic parameters and character association analysis. Methods: The plant material comprised of 193 pigeonpea genotypes along with seven checks and the experiment was conducted during kharif 2020-21 and 2021-22 in augmented design. Result: The twenty-one DUS characters were recorded at different crop growth stages. Out of those, the characters for plant height, branching pattern, time to 50% flowering, colour of base of petal, pattern of streaks on petal, pod colour, pod number of seeds, seed colour, seed colour pattern, seed shape and seed size exhibited variation across the accessions. The analysis of variance was executed for the eight different biometrical characters. The highest GCV and PCV value was obtained for the character seed yield per plant (19.91 and 21.4 respectively). Almost all the yield attributing characters except plant height showed high heritability indicating that selection for the characters for crop improvement would be highly effective. Highest genetic advance was observed for the trait pods per plant (42.34) and highest genetic advance as percent of mean was obtained for seed yield per plant (38.24). Correlation analysis among the characters for yield revealed that high positive correlation existed between seed yield per plant with pods per plant (0.580). The character for PH also showed high correlation with seed yield (0.185) which is indicative that high pods per plant and tall plant character contribute significantly towards yield enhancement.

Assessing Pigeonpea Genotypes for Resistance against Maruca vitrata Fabricius and its Sustainable Management through Biorationals

Background: The spotted pod borer (SPB), Maruca vitrata Fabricius is a key insect pest of major legume crop i.e. pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan in India and semi-arid tropics. Identifying a SPB resistant genotype will help in sustainable management of SPB and in attaining nutritional security. The SPB has developed insecticide resistance to most of the chemical insecticide like Organophosphorous group of insecticides and also it is expanding its geographic limits. These factors are the driving forces for identifying tolerant genotypes for its sustainable management along with a suitable biorational. Methods: Forty seven pigeonpea genotypes were screened during kharif 2015 to 2017 at ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur based on percent pod damage and Pest Resistance Susceptibility Rating (PRSR) under insecticide free condition. The 4 biorationals were tested against SPB in ICPL 87 along with untreated control in Randomised Block Design. Further the SPB molecular identity was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of partial Cox 1 gene amplified from M. vitrata adult. Results: Two indeterminate genotypes (Pusa2001 and Pusa33) as SPB resistant based on lowest mean pest resistance susceptibility rating (PRSR 1.7) The next best genotypes were a determinate (AL-15) and indeterminate genotype (LRG-30) with a PRSR of 2.0. The highest PRSR (6.0) was recorded from the ICPL 87, a susceptible check in the present experiment. Spinosad 45SC has recorded significantly lowest mean pod damage (6.67%) and highest mean yield (4.36kg/35m2) compared to 4 other treatments in the field efficacy trial. The phylogenetic analysis of Cox 1 gene from Kanpur population (KY559101) with 19 other M. vitrata populations in India revealed that it is more similar to Raichur population (KT070892) and it confirms M. vitrata has same ancestral homology in India.

Identification of sources of resistance to Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

The experiment was conducted to screen a set of 100 genotypes of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) for resistance to Fusarium wilt andsterility mosaic disease during 2021-2022 using root dip technique and the leaf stapling method, respectively. Based on percent diseaseincidence of Fusarium, seven genotypes were classified as resistant. Seventeen genotypes showed resistant reaction against sterilitymosaic disease. Combined resistance for both diseases was recorded in six genotypes namely, ICPL 15023, ICPL 15063, ICPL 19467,ICPL 19482, ICPL 19489, and ICPL 19499. These resistant lines can be utilized directly as useful donor source in pigeonpea hybridizationprograms to improve resistance

Assessment of genetic diversity in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) using micro satellite markers

An effective way to use germplasm for genetic improvement is to be aware of the genetic variation among crop genotypes. The objective of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 30 genotypes of pigeonpea from populations that were collected from various sources. In order to show a new structure within the pigeonpea genetic pool and to give crucial information for pigeonpea breeding operations, the predetermined study's goal was to define pigeonpea genotypes using a microsatellite marker technique. The genomic DNA of 30 pigeon pea genotypes were amplified with 20 SSR primers that produced 46 amplified bands, out of which 30 band were polymorphic (65.21%) and 16 bands were monomorphic (34.82%). Primer CcM 2977 generated a maximum number of amplified bands, of which 2 bands were polymorphic. Among 20 primers, only 8 primers showed the highest polymorphism (100%) and 5 primers were monomorphic in nature. Average of 2.30 bands per primer was amplified. The dendrogram constructed from the pooled data revealed six distinct clusters of which five were solitary. Cluster analysis of pigeon pea genotypes was based on Unweighted Pair Group Method with the Arithmetic average (UPGMA) method and the 30 pigeon pea genotypes were classified into six main groups. The present study indicated that the performance of SSR markers for the evaluation of genetic diversity could be beneficial for pigeon pea breeding. They could additionally be useful in genomic mapping research, developing pigeon pea cultivars with various genetics and reaping advanced crop productivity.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Principal Component Analysis for Yield Related Traits in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Background: Pigeon pea is an economical source of protein cultivated in arid and semi arid tropical areas of the world. Genetic improvement mainly depends upon the amount of genetic variability available in the population. It is necessary for a breeder to understand the extent of genotypic and phenotypic variation among the germplasm to design an effective breeding programme. Methods: Eighty pigeon pea genotypes were evaluated for their variability with regard to yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment was carried out at Regional Research Station, Paiyur during 2021-2022 following randomized block design with two replications. Result: The traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and single plant yield can be improved following simple selection method as they exhibited high variability in combination with high heritability and genetic advance. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed three significant principal components (PCs), which accounted for 81.24% of phenotypic variation among the studied genotypes. The traits days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and hundred seed weight had significantly positive association and positive direct effect with yield. Hence, these traits can be used as good selection criteria for yield improvement.