Assessing Genetic Effects and Identification of Superior Hybrids in Field Pea on Partially Reclaimed Sodic Soil

Abstract

Background: Pisum sativum L. is an important pulse crop with high nutritional content. However, its productivity is facing major challenge due to sodicity. So, the present investigation was carried out to identify the superior hybrids in field pea. Methods: Diallel design (excluding reciprocals) was done with ten parental lines to produce forty-five F1s and were tested for heterosis, combining ability and variability for yield and its related traits. Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant difference between parents and hybrids for all traits, with pod length showing higher significance in hybrids. The cross-Pant P 514 × HFP 1802 exhibited outstanding seed yield with positive and highly significant heterosis over better parent. SCA variance exceeded GCA variance for most of the traits, indicating non-additive gene action; HFP1424 and IPFD 21-5 were identified has a good general combiner, while several crosses showed high SCA effects. High GCV, PCV with high heritability and genetic advance suggest their importance for further programs breeding.