Component analysis for seed yield and yield traits in microsperma × macrosperma derivatives of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Eleven agro-morphological characters were studied for variability and their inter-relationships using 95 advanced (F₆) elite derivatives of microsperma x macrosperma crosses along with 5 checks namely Vipasa, EC-1(Markandya), PL-639, L-259, and L-4145 at Palampur. The present investigation revealed sufficient variability for all the characters except seeds per pod. For 100-seed weight, pods per plant and biological yield per plant, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated the predominant role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. On the basis of mean performance of different genotypes, it was observed that lines HPCL-2290, HPCL-2301 and HPCL-2208 were superior to best check Vipasa for seed yield per plant, pods per plant and number of fertile nodes per plant. Seed yield per plant showed positive association with biological yield per plant, seeds per pod, pods per plant, number of fertile nodes per plant, primary branches per plant and plant height. Path analysis revealed that biological yield had highest positive direct effect followed by harvest index on the seed yield. Biological yield not only had highest direct effect but several other traits, like pods per plant, number of fertile nodes per plant, primary branches per plant and plant height had also contributed significantly indirectly through it. Based on the present study a plant ideotype with higher biomass, harvest index, pods per plant, number of fertile nodes per plant, primary branches per plant and plant height would enhance the seed yield of lentil.