Studies on Genetic Variability and Character Association in Chickpea Germplasm for Growth and Yield Attributes

Aims: The improvement in crop yield depends upon the magnitude of genetic variability available in breeding material. An investigation was carried out in chickpea germplasm lines to study variability present and correlation for growth and yield attributes viz, days to fifty per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield.

Study Design: The investigation was carried out in an augmented design with 5 blocks.

Place and Duration of Study: Zonal agricultural and horticultural research station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur, Chitradurga during Rabi 2023.

Methodology: 100 germplasm lines collected from different sources were utilized in the study with 4 checks. Data was 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 traits studied. 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 primary branches, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and seed yield. Correlation studies revealed that, seed yield was in positive association with number of pods per plant, plant height and hundred seed weight.

Conclusion: Through this study, it is clear that yield improvement programs could prioritize traits like the number of pods per plant, plant height, hundred seed weight and seed yield in breeding programmes.