Detection of epistasis and estimation of components of genetic variation applying modified triple test cross analysis using two testers in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Fifteen lines of pea (Pisum sativum L.) were crossed with two testers. Genetic analysis was carried out to detect epistatis and estimate components of genetic variation for seven quantitative traits. Epistasis was detected for all the character studied. Significant estimates of both additive (D) and dominance (H) components were observed for all the characters, except for the pod length. Estimates of additive components assessed from the pure line families (D′) for different characters was comparable with the D component derived from sums (L₁i + L₂i) of the triple test cross families. The F value was positive and significant for days to flowering, plant height, pods per plant, seed weight and seed yield per plant showing isodirectional nature of dominance. Significance of additive component and F parameter showing increasing effect on the character indicate that pedigree selection would be effective for the improvement of such traits.