Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and path Coefficient Analysis in field pea (Pisumsativum L.) Genotypes at Bekoji, Ethiopia

For resource-poor Ethiopian farmers, field pea (Pisumsativum L.) is the main source of protein. To increase the productivity of the crop and support farmers, the development of yield and disease-resistant varieties is an important activity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis and associated agronomic traits among field pea genotypes. Forty-nine field pea genotypes were evaluated in simple lattice design. A study was conducted during June- October 2020 cropping season at Bekoji sub research center. Data collected for morpho-agronomic traits were subjected for analysis of variance. Grain yield per plot had positive and highly significant genotypic association with plant height while highly significant phenotypic correlation observed between grain yield and plant height and biomass yield. In addition, grain yield had positive and highly significant phenotypic correlations with days to maturity, and grain filling period.The presence of highly significant and positive correlation of these traits with grain yield at genotypic and phenotypic levels indicated prime importance of these traits in selection program to identify field pea genotypes with high grain yield. Path coefficient analysis at genotypic levels showed that days to flowering and total biomass per plot had strong positive direct effect on grain yield per plot. The study showed the existence of reasonable associations among the yield and yield related traits that could be exploited in breeding programs.