Genetic Studies on Yield and Its Components in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

Abstract

A field trial was carried out at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Hyderabad during Kharif, 2023-24, with the aim of studying genetic parameters for yield and its components among pigeonpea genotypes which provides in developing an apt selection index to be included in the breeding programs. This research was conducted on 200 genotypes of Indian pigeon pea on seven traits. Data were analysed to calculate analysis of variance (ANOVA), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad sense heritability (h2bs) and estimated genetic progression as percentage mean using R software v 4.3.1. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference for days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant among the genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variance was lower than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the traits under selection. Higher extent of genotypic coefficient of variation is manifested by days to 50% flowering, plant height, seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with genetic advance as per cent mean was observed in seed yield per plant, number of days to 50% flowering and plant height. The results concluded that seed yield per plant, number of days to flowering up to 50%, and plant height are the traits that should be emphasized as selection indicator in Indian pigeon pea breeding programs.