Associations of traits with yield in Dekoko (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum) accessions in the highlands of southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Dekoko (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum) is a unique crop developed and cultivated in Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were; understanding the genetic variability present in Dekoko population, determining the correlation between grain yield, protein content and other traits and understanding traits that can be used for indirect selection for high grain yield and high protein content. Local collections of Dekoko were planted in 3 replications of the RCBD design at Mekhan farmers’ Training Centre in Endamekhoni during 2010.Traits such as days to flowering and maturity and leaf width had low phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation and low genetic advance (<20%). The genotypic correlation between and the direct effect of days to flowering, plant height and biomass on seed yield was positive suggesting that the  traits can be used for indirect selection of high yielding accessions. Seed yield and protein content had perfect negative genotypic correlation (-1.00). The direct effect of protein content on seed yield was also negative implying that simultaneous selection towards increased seed yield and increased protein content at the same time may be difficult.   Key words: Associations, Dekoko, Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum, accession, crude protein.