Genetic Variability, Correlation, Direct and Indirect Effects on Seed Yield through Different Quantitative Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm at Central Plain Zone (Uttar Pradesh)

Abstract

Chickpea is the leading legume grain crop source for protein and other nutritional content. Chickpea holds second rank in pulse production area and third in total production. There are totally 26 germplasm and 11 traits were chosen for this study. All the traits were recorded on the optimum plant growth stages.  Among 26 chickpea genotypes, KPG-59, IPCO-2K-25, IPC-04-52, C-203, C-223 and PC-6006 recorded highest mean seed yield with the contributory characters namely, number of seeds per plant, harvest index, number of pods per plant, biological yield, seed index. The phenotypic correlation revealed that the seed yield per plant recorded positive correlation with plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, biological yield, harvest index and seed index.  Also, the biological yield and harvest index recorded positive direct effect on Seed yield per plant and the negative direct effect found in days to 50% flowering, plant height and number of pods per plant. The traits, days to 50% flowering and plant height showed positive correlation and negative direct effect on seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant recorded higher PCV and GCV value than other traits. The broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean recorded higher value in seed yield per plant. The efficiency of selection will be improved by understanding the association among the traits and variability. This will be helpful in chickpea improvement plant breeding program.