Genetic divergence, traits association, path analysis and harvest index in pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan L.)

Twenty six genotypes of pigeonpea were evaluated for 13 agro-morphological characters. Statistical analysis was carried out for estimation of various parameters. The ICPL-87 being shortest genotypes possessed the minimum number of branches, minimum pod weight, lowest 100-seed weight, shortest root length, lowest biological yield per plant and minimum yield per plant. Among all the genotypes, NDA-1 was the tallest genotype. The highest harvest index was showed by NDA-2009-1. Considering the performance of all the genotypes for important characters, including yield, the genotypes; NDA-2009-1, PUSA-992, DA-10-2, MAL-6, ICPL-87 and BRG-2 were promising. Root weight showed very high estimate of genetic advance (85.53%). The value of genetic advance was lowest for root length (20.89%). The residual effect (0.064) indicated that the thirteen characters included in this study explain 93.6 per cent of variation in yield in this population. Plant height, pod weight, root weight and harvest index were positively associated with seed yield simultaneously with positive direct effect. Therefore, direct selection against this character would be effective for seed yield improvement in pigeonpea.