Studies on Selection Indices in Pigeonpea [Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp].

ABSTRACT

Success of any breeding programme depends on the efficiency of selection. Hence, the knowledge of nature of association of various traits among themselves and with seed yield is quite important for devising an effective selection criterion for yield. The present study was carried out to assess the nature and extent of interrelationship among component traits affecting seed yield in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp). Forty nine genotypes from different states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharastra were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications and the data recorded on 12 traits were subjected to statistical analysis. The correlation studies revealed the positive and significant association of seed yield with number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of primary branches per plant and plant height. Path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant was important in formulating selection criteria for improvement of seed yield in pigeonpea.