Study of genetic variability and correlation in interspecific derivatives of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Forty interspecific derivatives (ISD) of Pigeonpea along with five national checks derived from ICRISAT, Patancheru, Hyderabad and one local check were screened to study the extent of genetic variability for yield and yield contributing character and their interrelationship. The observations were recorded on nineteen different characters. The highest GCV was recorded for trichome-A followed by trichome-B. The high heritability estimates coupled with high expected genetic advance were observed for trichome type-A, B, number of secondary branches, trichome type D, number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant, trichome type C, per cent pod setting, per cent pollen sterility, 100 seed weight, number of primary branches, height of first primary branch from ground level and seeds per pod indicating the presence of additive gene action and phenotypic selection may be effective. Grain yield was found to be positively and significantly correlated with all characters except for percent pod damage where the association was negative and significant. It indicated that these characters are useful for taking them as the basis of selection for high yield.