Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance analysis was done using 45 F1 hybrids, 45 F2 generations and his parents obtained from a (10 x 10) diallel mating design for eight traits viz.; length of the pod (cm), no. of pods/plant no. of seeds/pod, no. of branches/plant, 100-grain weight (g), grain yield/plant (g), harvest index (%) and protein content (%). The magnitude of variability was higher for length of the pod and no. of pods/plant in F1 population. The mean performance and range of variability of crosses for eight characters showed significant differences in both the generations for all the traits under study. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance for harvest index, length of the pod, no. of seeds/pod, protein content and 100grain weight were observed in both the generations. These traits were moderately influence by non-additive gene action. Therefore, selection of these traits may be more effective for breeding point of view.