GENETIC VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE FOR YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN FIELD PEA (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and related traits in field pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experimental material comprised 11 diverse parents, their 24 hybrids evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Rabi 2024-25. Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for all traits studied, indicating ample scope for selection. Estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were generally close to phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for most traits, suggesting a predominant genetic influence with minimal environmental impact high GCV and PCV, coupled with high heritability and substantial genetic advance as a percentage of mean, were recorded for seed yield per plant, pods per plant, plant height and 100-seed weight, reflecting the predominance of additive gene action and the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of direct selection for these traits.in contrast, traits, traits such as seeds per pod and branches per plant exhibited lower heritability and genetic advance, indicating grater environmental influence and the need for alternative breeding approaches. The study highlights the traits that can be prioritized for improving yield potential in field pea breeding programmes.