Reckoning the Interelationship among Different Yield Contributing Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes

Aims: The enhancement of crop yield relies on the level of genetic variability found in breeding materials. An investigation was conducted on chickpea germplasm lines to analyze the existing variability, as well as the correlation and path analysis related to yield and its contributing traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, protein content and seed yield per plant.

Study Design: The investigation was carried out in an augmented block design with 6 blocks.

Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Bhavikere, Chikmagalur, during Rabi 2023.

Methodology: 96 germplasm lines collected from different sources were utilized in the study with 4 checks. Data were recorded and statistical analysis was carried out using R software.

Results: The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences among germplasm for all studied traits. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for traits, number of pods per plant, test weight, protein content and seed yield per plant. Correlation studies revealed that, seed yield was in positive association with test weight, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of primary branches per plant and protein content. Test weight showed the highest positive direct effect on seed yield followed by plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod.

Conclusion: This study indicated that yield improvement initiatives should focus on traits such as the number of pods per plant, number of primary branches per plant, test weight and seed yield per plant in breeding programs.