Abstract
These studies were conducted to determine the genetic parameters and character association in elite lines of
lentil (Lens culinaris Medik). Genetic parameters like genotypic and phenotypic variances, coefficients of variation,
heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficients and path coefficients were estimated. Significant variation
was noted for all the traits. High heritability estimates were observed for all the traits except number of primary
branches per plant. In general phenotypic coefficients of variability were greater than their corresponding
genotypic coefficient of variability. Higher estimates of heritability and genetic advance were observed for seed
yield (97.10%, 90.71%), harvest index (96.20%, 63.29%) and maturity days (95.90%, 63.39%) indicating that
these characters are mainly controlled by additive genes and selection of such traits might be effective for the
improvement of seed yield. Days to flower, plant height, number of primary branches, biological yield, harvest
index and hundred seed weight had positive direct effect on seed yield. Biological yield, hundred seed weight and
harvest index also had positive and highly significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with seed yield. Hence
these traits could be used for the improvement of seed yield resulting in the evolution of high yielding varieties of
lentil.
