Revealing the Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies for Productivity Traits in Advanced Breeding Lines of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.)

Abstract

A breeding effort was carried to investigate genetic variability, heritability, predicted genetic advance and the association studies between seed yield, yield attributing traits and quality traits during Rabi 2022-2023 at ZARS, Kalaburagi, India. The study was taken up with 14 genotypes, which includes advanced breeding lines and released variety as checks were planted in three replications using randomized complete block design. Studies on genetic variability have shown that every character was unaffected by the environment to the same extent. The genotypic coefficient of variation was slightly lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation indicating that the existing variation is not only by the genotypes but also to some extent by the environment. For the majority of the traits, high to moderate genetic advance was found in conjunction with high heritability. This indicates presence of additive gene action. Hence, breeders can exploit these traits through phenotypic selection. The number of branches and pods on a plant were two key traits that showed a significant association with seed yield whereas, swelling capacity, hydration capacity and cooking time are positively associated with 100 seed weight. Thus, breeders can exploit those traits influenced by additive gene action for further genetic improvement in chickpea and it is possible to develop chickpea genotypes with high yielding and less cooking time. Finally, this investigation should be repeated over years and locations to confirm future breeding program.