Genetic Analysis of Combining Ability and Gene Action in Diallel Crosses of Chickpea Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to examined the combining ability (GCA and SCA) and genetic variability in chickpea across 56 treatments comprising of 10 parental lines, 45 F1 hybrids developed using a diallel mating design and a check variety Radha. Conducted at the Research Farm of Baba Raghav Das P. G.  College, Deoria during the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 rabi seasons, the experiment employed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant GCA and SCA contributions for traits like Days to 50% Flowering, Days to Maturity, and Plant Height, indicating a blend of additive and non-additive genetic effects. GCA analysis identified ICC 1205 and GNG-1958 as promising parents for early flowering and plant architecture, while SCA results highlighted hybrids such as JG 24 × IPC 18-131 for high pod production and yield potential. These insights aid breeders in optimizing chickpea traits for improved productivity, balancing genetic components to meet diverse agricultural objectives.