Genetic Variability of Yield, and Yield Components in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

To determination genetic diversity of 25 chickpea genotypes, and estimating the genetic parameters such as phenotype and genotype variance, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability, a field experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications during two seasons of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. Analysis of variance indicated that there were significant genotypic differences for seed yield, number of days to flowering, number of days to maturity, flowering period, canopy height, number of pods per plant, biological yield and harvest index. Seed yield ranged from 168.3 kg ha^-1 (L13) to 618.52 kg ha^-1 (L10) in the first year and 248.86 kg ha^-1 (L22) to 945.66 kg ha^-1 (L2) in the second year. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for seed yield, days to flowering, flowering period, canopy height, number of pods per plant, biological yield and harvest index, indicated the influence of environment upon these traits. Heritability of canopy height, days to flowering and days to maturitywas greater than the heritability of the other traits. This finding indicated the above characters can be used as genetic parameters for improvement and selection of high yielding genotypes. Seed yield in chickpea can be improved by selecting for a genotype having moderate days to flowering and days to maturity as well as higher number of pods per plant and plant height.