Morphological Characterization of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense) Genotypes

The present study aimed to evaluate morphological diversity among 30 garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) genotypes using Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) guidelines under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority. Visual observations were used to evaluate thirteen morphological features. The genotypes showed significant variation in the majority of traits, especially in the attributes of the seeds, pods, foliage colour, and flowering period. Remarkable observations included the afila leaf type and late flowering in NDVP-23-21, and purple petal colour and purple axil in NDVP-23-1, which distinguish them from the rest of the collection. Significant phenotypic variation that can be used for upcoming breeding, selection, and variety registration is highlighted by the data. The study highlights how useful DUS descriptors are for efficiently recording genetic variation and assisting with crop improvement initiatives.