Correlation and path analysis studies across the generations in garden pea

The experiment was conducted utilizing 8 parents (viz. Arkel, GP17, GP 207, GP 4, GP 128, GP 447, GP 468 and GP 471), 28 F₁s, 28 F₂s and 28 F₃s to study the correlation and path analysis in garden pea. The correlation studies revealed that in F₁, F₂ and F₃ generations, pod yield per plant had a significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, pod length and 1000-seed weight and significant negative correlation with days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to first green pod harvest and plant height. Genotypic path coefficient analysis indicated that the traits like number of grains per pod, pod length and number of pods per plant exhibited high positive direct and indirect effects on green pod yield per plant in all the generations. Thousand seed weight recorded high positive direct effect on pod yield per plant in F₁ and F₂ generations. Hence, a selection index consisting of the traits like number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, pod length and 1000 seed weight can be considered highly reliable for selection to increase green pod yield in garden pea.