Diallel Analysis of Genetic Variation in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)

Abstract

SUMMARYA diallel analysis of flowering time, pod number, 100-seed weight and yield of six cultivars ofCajanus cajan(L.) Millsp. was studied. Additive inheritance was important in determining flowering time, but the dominance component was higher than the additive component, and over-dominance was observed for pod number, 100-seed weight and yield. Heritability estimates for all the traits except flowering time were quite low, and the bulk population method of breeding was suggested for early segregating generations. The graphical analysis of the diallel cross was in close agreement with the findings from variance component analysis. It is suggested that the best cross would be that between two parents chosen on the basis of their low g.c.a. for flowering time and their high g.c.a. for other traits.