Trait association and genetic diversity analysis in field pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) under timely and late sown conditions

One hundred and forty three genotypes of field pea including three check varieties were evaluated for morpho-physiological characters under timely and late sown conditions for the study of trait association and genetic diversity. Correlation analysis revealed that for timely and late sown conditions, seed yield per plant showed a strong positive correlation with effective pods per plant, biological yield per plant and plant height. In addition to the above traits, 100-seed weight and pollen viability also exhibited a significant and positive interrelationship with seed yield in late sown conditions. This relationship suggests that selection of more effective pods per plant, biological yield, plant height, 100-seed weight and pollen viability are desirable under late sown conditions to enhance the yield. These traits were also commonly correlated with each other in both environmental conditions. Path coefficient analysis revealed that in timely sown environment, effective pods per plant and biological yield per plant; and in late sown environment, effective pods per plant, biological yield per plant, 100-seed weight, plant height and pollen viability contributed to seed yield directly as well as indirectly. Consequently, it is essential to prioritize these traits when designing a selection strategy for developing high-yielding field pea cultivars. The D² cluster analysis grouped 143 genotypes into 05 multi-genotypic clusters in both sowing conditions. Genotype distribution was different in different environments, suggesting that the environment has an influence on genotype performance.