Genetic variability and character association in pigeonpea under different cropping systems

The genetic variability and nature of character association was studied in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp) under different cropping systems. The genetic variability was found to be the highest for secondary branches / plant under intercrop. Heritability estimates were high for 100 grain weight, primary and secondary branches / plant under sole as well as intercropping and for plant height and grain yield / plant under sole crop and for plant spread under intercrop. Comparatively high heritability accompanied with high genetic advance was recorded by the traits plant height and pods / plant under sole crop and plant spread under both cropping systems indicated the predominance of additive gene action. All the traits showed significant positive association with grain yield under different cropping systems. In addition to this, pods / plant exhibited highly significant correlation with grain yield which was also significantly associated with majority of the characters under sole crop whereas, secondary branches / plant was significantly associated with majority of the characters under intercorp.