EVALUATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF PEA GERMPLASM THROUGH PHENOTYPIC TRAIT ANALYSIS

Genetic diversity of 246 accessions of Pisum sativum L. collected from various localities of the world was evaluated at vegetative stages to ascertain the extent of genetic diversity and assess geographical heterogenecity among the germplasm. It was concluded that, high degree of allelic variation was present in seed coat color and seed shape. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that considerable extent of genetic diversity was available for biological yield, number of locules per fresh pod, grain yield and harvest index. It was also observed that 100 seeds weight was positively correlated with all the observed parameters, but negatively correlated with number of seed per dry pod. Biomass proved high significance of correlation with number of locules per fresh pod, number of pod per plant and 100 seed weight. Harvest index correlated with all the traits except number of locules per fresh pod and biomass. Accessions with best performance were assorted for the desired parameters and communicated for its utilization in breeding programs.