Genetic variability in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millspaugh)

One hundred germplasm lines were evaluated for variation in morphological and agronomic traits for selection of cultivar potentially suitable for growing in Bangladesh under rice-based cropping systems during the fallow period after kharif II season. A wide range of variation was found in twelve quantitative plant traits. The most important correlations corresponded to eight plant traits. Considering these traits, PCA could explain 76.2% of total variance. Based on cluster analysis, the genotypes were grouped into seven clusters, each cluster with greater similarities. Plant height, days to flowering and pods plant⁻¹ were the discriminating variables mostly contributed in grouping the genotypes. Pods plant⁻¹ played the most dominant role in explaining the maximum variance according to DFA. Genotypes grouped in 1, 4 and 7 clusters were early maturing and high yielder as compared to the other cluster members. Genotype 21 (ICP7143) representing group 1 showed promising for its short stature nature. However, genotype 32 (ICP7989) representing group 4 produced the highest yield with the shortest maturity duration. These two genotypes are particularly promising for growing in fallow period after the harvest of transplanted aman or kharif II crops.