Path Coefficient Study in Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)

The F1 and F2 progenies derived from a 10x10 diallel cross were studied for correlations and path-coefficient analysis for 10 quantitative traits, viz., days to flowering, plant height, branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod length, days to maturity, 100-seed weight, harvest index and protein content with grain yield in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pods per plant, 100-seed weight, seeds per pod and harvest index are the main yield components affecting yield directly. High indirect effects were contributed by number of branches, plant height and flowering via pods per plant; by pod length via 100-seed weight; and by maturity via both the component traits. Protein content had negligible effect on seed yield. Correlation coefficient measures the association between any two characters, however, these may not give a clear picture under a complex situation. The knowledge of direct and indirect influences of yield contributing traits, including harvest index, helps in the selection of high yielding genotypes in F, and subsequent segregating generations. The present study has been undertaken to understand the extent and nature of direct and indirect effects of important yield components and developmental traits including harvest index and protein content in pea.