Variability and character association studies for horticultural and quality traits in garden pea (Pisum sativum L. var. hortense)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the variability, heritability and correlation of important yield and quality traits and to determine the relative importance of primary and secondary traits as selection criteria to improve productivity in garden peas. Twenty-two diverse genotypes were grown in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications during 2015-16. The data was collected on ten horticultural and four quality traits. Significant variations existed in all the traits. High value of PCV and GCV (e”20) were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, average pod weight, number of pod per plant, 100- green seed weight, green pod yield per plant and for quality traits viz., total phenolics contents, total flavonoids contents, CUPRAC and FRAP activities. This indicates that selection can be applied on the traits to isolate more promising line. High heritability (e”80%) and high genetic advance (e”50) were noticed for plant height, number of pod per plant, total phenolics contents, total flavonoids contents, CUPRAC and FRAP activities which indicated the role of additive gene action for the inheritance of these traits and are likely to respond better to selection. However, green pod yield per plant revealed moderate heritability and genetic advance. Correlation studies for green pod yield per plant showed a positive and significant correlation with days to 50% flowering, average pod weight and number of pod per plant suggesting improvement of yield by giving special focus to these traits. However, total phenolics and flavonoids contents were found negatively correlated with pod yield.