Evaluation of genetic variability for yield and yield attributing traits in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) under diverse environmental conditions

The present investigation aimed to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and its attributing traits in 70 field pea (Pisum sativum L. var. arvense) genotypes evaluated across four environments (E-I, E-II, E-III, and E-IV) and in pooled analysis at the Breeder Seed Production Unit (Soybean), Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). High estimates of both genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were recorded for number of pods per plant, number of effective nodes per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant across all environments and in pooled analysis. The close correspondence between GCV and PCV for these traits indicated that they are primarily governed by genetic factors with limited environmental influence. Moderate variability was observed for hundred seed weight, number of seeds per pod, pod length, and plant height, suggesting the influence of both genetic and environmental components. Broad-sense heritability estimates were generally high for most traits, signifying that a major portion of the total phenotypic variance was due to genetic factors. The hundred seed weight exhibited the highest heritability (98.55%) and substantial genetic advance (26.15%), followed by seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, and number of pods per plant, which also displayed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. This combination of high heritability and genetic advance indicated the predominance of additive gene effects and high transmissibility of these traits. Overall, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant and pods per plant emerged as the most dependable selection indices for yield improvement and stability in field pea breeding across diverse environments.