Genetic variability of agronomic traits in extra-early maturing Introgression Lines (ILs) of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)]

A study was designed with a total of 20 pigeonpea extra-early introgression lines along with the checks in RCBD for genetic variability and other genetic parameters for 10 agronomic traits. Data was recorded on days to flower, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of primary branches, the number of secondary branches, the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, hundred seed weight and grain yield per plant. Considerable variation was observed for all the traits studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, and grain yield per plant, signifying that these traits governed by additive gene action. Simple selection may be useful for these traits. Further, using PCA analysis, it was found that these traits are ideal for pigeonpea improvement through the selection. Promising lines viz., ICPP 171540, ICPP 171541, ICPP 171542, ICPP 171546, ICPP 171556, ICPP 171559, ICPP 171561, ICPP 171564, ICPP 171566, ICPP 171578, ICPP 171579, and ICPP 171581, and ICPP 171578 were identified in extra-early determinate groups. These promising lines should be evaluated in multi-season/location for further utilization.