Genetic analysis of early and medium duration pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.] crosses involving wilt resistant donor in F1 and F2 generations

Abstract

The experiments consisting 55 crosses of pigeonpea made in tJalf-dialiel design along with 11 parents in F1 and F2 generations were conducted on vertisol under rain-fed condition. Genetic analysis revealed that both additive and non-additive genetic components of variance governed the expression of seed yield, pods per plant, pod clusters per plant and plant height, latter being predominant in both the generations. Stem girth and number of primary branches per plant were predominantly under the control of additive genetic components with significant role of non-additive genetic component. Whereas 100 seed weight was predominantly under the control of additive genetic components. Medium maturing parents, a wilt resistant donor, viz., ICPL 87119 and JKM-7 were identified as good general combiner for seed yield and most of the contributing traits in both F1 and F2 generations except ICPL 87119 in F2 generation for grain yield. Pant 142 was identified as good general combiner for earliness and grain yield in both the generations. These genotypes can be used in future breeding programme to exploit additive component of genetic variation to develop high yielding wilt resistant variety in medium maturing group. Cross combination showing significant specific combining ability effects possessed different maturity group parents with either one or both good general combing parents. Pant 142 x ICPL 87119, GAUT 8630 x ICPL 87119, Pant 142 x KM 84 and GAUT 9002 x ICPL 87119 recorded to be better cross combinations for yield and one or more attributing traits.