Genetic Insights into Pea Genotypes: Exploring Variability for Crop Improvement

Aim: The aim of the study to evaluate genetic variability in order to identify promising genotypes for selection and future breeding programmes. Study Design: The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at research farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, during Rabi season 2022-2023. Methodology: Twenty-six pea genotypes, along with one check variety (Pb-89), were evaluated for yield and key horticultural traits. Standard agronomic practices were applied uniformly. Estimates of genetic variability, heritability and genetic gain were calculated for different horticultural traits. Correlation analysis determined relationships among traits, while path coefficient analysis assessed direct and indirect effects on yield. Results: Wide variability was observed among genotypes. UHF Pea-67, UHF Pea-68, UHF Pea-79 and Pb-89 showed superior performance in yield and associated traits. In Pod yield per plant and number of green pods per plant high genetic variability, heritability and genetic gain was observed indicating strong potential for selection. Green pod yield per plant showed positive, significant correlations with number of green pods, pod length, pod width, weight of 100 pods, shelling percentage, harvest duration and days to marketable maturity. Path analysis revealed that number of green pods per plant, pod width, pod length, days to marketable maturity, shelling percentage and plant height which exerted the highest direct positive effects on yields. High heritability values coupled with high genetic gain has been observed for pod yield per plant (97.64% and 64.80%) and number of green pods per plant (85.33% and 54.28%), respectively which was showed the presence of additive genes which would be effective for better selection. Conclusions: Genotypes UHF Pea-67, UHF Pea-68, UHF Pea-79 and Pb-89 emerged as promising genotypes for yield and yield related traits, these genotypes can be used further in breeding programmes.