Genetic divergence studies among sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai.) genotypes for yield and yield contributing traits in North-Western Himalayas

Abstract Germplasm assets are critical for hereditary breeding, investigation of complex traits and are conducive to the investigation and creation of unused germplasm. In order to effectively measure genetic divergence and character association for sand pear genetic improvement, yield and yield contributing variables were assessed for 125 genotypes during 2018–2021 in three districts of Himachal Pradesh, India (N-W Himalayas). The results indicated that estimates for eye basin, depth stalk cavity depth, fruit stalk length, non reducing sugars and leaf area high had high PCV and GCV values. High heritability and genetic gain both suggests the existence of additive gene action. The fruit's weight, sugar-to-acid ratio, and titratable acidity were reported, these qualities can be enhanced via direct selection. Fruit weight, total sugars, trunk diameter, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit length, fruit breadth, petiole length, and leaf area all have a high direct effect on plant yield, according to studies of association. Therefore, the overall result suggests that there is substantial diversity in the assessed attributes for them to serve as selection indices for genetic improvement of sand pear.