Evaluation of Genetic Variability, GCV and PCV in F₁ and F₂ Populations of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at the Oil Seed Farm, CSAUAT, Kanpur, during three consecutive rabi seasons (2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25) to assess genetic variability, Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Sixteen diverse lines and four testers were crossed in a line × tester mating design to produce F₁ hybrids, which were subsequently selfed to generate F₂ populations. Both F₁ and F₂ generations, along with parents, were evaluated in a randomized block design for sixteen characters. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among parents, F₁s, and F₂s for most traits, confirming substantial genetic diversity. F₁ hybrids exhibited clear heterotic advantages for major yield components, while F₂ populations displayed wider ranges and useful segregation, indicating the presence of desirable recombinants. GCV and PCV estimates showed that PCV exceeded GCV for all traits in both generation, reflecting environmental influence. In both generation high GCV and PCV for trait such as seed yield per plant and moderate for number of primary branches per plant, number of pod clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and biological yield per plant indicated strong genetic control and good prospects for selection. Traits with low GCV and PCV, including days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height, pod weight, pod grain weight, shelling percentage, 100 seed weight and protein content, showed limited variability and stronger environmental effects. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of hybridization followed by selection and identifies several yield-related traits with high potential for genetic improvement in pea breeding programs.