Genetic characterization for quantitative and qualitative traits and its relationship in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

An experiment comprising of twenty four diverse Faba bean genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for pod yield and its contributing traits. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were highest for pod yield per plant (PCV= 55.87% and GCV= 53.90%). Pod yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, number of primary branches, pod length, pod width, pod weight and number of pods per plant at genotypic level. Number of pods per plant showed the highest positive direct effect (0.845) on pod yield per plant. Days to fifty per cent flowering, days to first pod picking, plant height, number of primary branches, pod width and number of pods per plant appeared as most important characters and could be considered during selection in Faba bean breeding programmes.