Studies on Variability Parameter and Character Association of Lentil Germplasms in West Bengal Condition

Abstract

Background: Lentil is the major cultivated pulse crop in the state of West Bengal in terms of total area coverage under cultivation. Selection of high yielding and better quality genotype is the prime vital matter to increase productivity. Investigation and a better understanding of the variability existing in a population base of the crop are pivotal to crop improvement so that the plant breeders can exploit it. Methods: The current study has been carried out at the experimental farm of the University of Calcutta during 2016-2017 in a plot designed with the randomized block design. It was carried out to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of fifty-four lentil germplasms. Result: Moderate to high heritability, GCV, PCV, GA and GA % of mean was obtained by days to1st flowering, days to 50% flowering, pods per plant and harvest index. The genotypic and phenotypic association of seed yield was significantly positive with traits like plant height, pods/plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. Characters like days to 50% flowering, plant height, primary branches per plant, pods/plant, pod length, 100 seed weight and harvest index shows a positive direct effect on seed yield in path analysis suggesting select for such traits while exercising selection for seed yield per plant in lentil.