Quantitative Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield Attributes Using Line × Tester Derived Generations in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

The present study, “Quantitative Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield Attributes Using Line × Tester Derived Generations in Pea (Pisum sativum L,),” was conducted at the Oil Seed Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, during rabi seasons of 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25. Sixteen lines and four testers were crossed using a line × tester mating design to evaluate genetic parameters in F₁ and F₂ generations. Heritability estimates varied widely, with high heritability in F₁ observed for 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant, while the remaining traits showed moderate to low heritability. In F₂, seed yield per plant again exhibited the highest heritability, whereas most traits showed low estimates, indicating strong environmental influence. Genetic advance as percent of mean (GA%) revealed high values for number of pod clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, and seed yield per plant in both generations, indicating additive gene action. Low heritability with low GA% for days to maturity, shelling percentage, and protein content indicated minimal response to direct selection. The findings emphasize that yield and major yield components can be effectively improved by selection in later generations, while traits strongly influenced by the environment require alternative breeding strategies.