Geentic variability, heritability and character association in dwarf field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Forty advance lines including five varieties of pea were evaluated for eleven quantitative characters. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for seed yield/plant followed by number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant and plant height. Heritability estimates (broad sense) were found to be high for all characters except number of grains/pod. High expected genetic advance coupled with high heritability estimates were recorded for seed yield/plant, number of branches/plant and number of pods/plant indicated least influence by the environmental variation. Biological yield/plant, harvest index, pods/plant, branches/plant and grains/pod were significantly correlated with seed yield/plant. The studies suggest that the selection pressure should be exercised simultaneously for high biological yield and harvest index, more number of pods and branches/plant.