Abstract

                                The nature of genetic variability, character association and direct and indirect contributions of different traits to grain yield was studied in genotypes of early maturity group in pigeonpea. Out of the eight traits studied, five traits namely, primary branches, Secondary branches, pods per plant 100-seed weight and yield per plot exhibited high estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance per cent of mean suggesting prodominance of additive gene effects. Plant height, days to maturity, primary branches. Secondary branches, pods per plant, seeds per pod and 100-send weight showed positive and significant association with yield per plot. Further, the path coefficient analysis. indicated high direct and indirect contributions of days to maturity, pods par plant, seeds per pod and 100-seed weight to yield per plot and of plant height, primary branches and secondary branches to pods per plant respectively suggesting that these traits may be used for yield improvement in pigeonpea.

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