Assessment of morpho-physiological traits for genetic diversity in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) under timely and late sown conditions

A total of 78 field pea genotypes, including four check varieties, were evaluated for morpho-physiological traits under timely and late sown conditions to assess trait associations and genetic diversity. Correlation analysis indicated that under both sowing environments, seed yield per plant (SYP) was strongly and positively associated with effective pods per plant (EPP), biological yield per plant (BYP) and plant height (PH). Under late-sown conditions, 100-seed weight (HSW) also showed a significant positive relationship with seed yield (SY). These associations suggest that selection for higher EPP, biological yield (BY), PH and HSW would be advantageous for yield improvement under late sowing. Furthermore, these traits exhibited strong inter-relationships with one another across both environments. Path coefficient analysis revealed that EPP and BYP had major direct and indirect effects on SY under timely sowing, while under late sowing, EPP, BYP, HSW and PH were the key contributors. Therefore, emphasis on these traits is critical when formulating selection strategies for developing high-yielding field pea cultivars. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the 78 genotypes into five distinct multi-genotypic clusters under both sowing conditions. Variation in genotype distribution across environments highlighted the significant influence of environmental conditions on genotype performance.