Selection indices in table peas (Pisum sativum Linn.)

Discriminant function analysis for yield revealed a progressive increase in the relative efficiency based on two, three, four or five character combinations over straight selection or single character selection indices. The maximum efficiency was observed with the selection indices based on five characters, viz., days to flower + pod length + number of seeds/pod + pod weight + test weight of 100 green grains. No.of seeds/pod, pod weight and test weight of 100 green grains were the important components with direct influence on yield on which maximum emphasis should be laid while making selection for yield.