Genetic variability and character association studies in chickpea genotypes for yield and its attributing traits

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability, yield performance, physiological attributes and trait associations among twenty-eight chickpea genotypes along with three checks (BGD 72, GNG 663 and Birsa Chana-3) under timely and late sown conditions in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for most yield and yield-attributing traits, indicating substantial genetic variability for selection. Under timely sown condition, higher mean seed yield per plant (12.99 g) and per plot (793.06 g) were associated with greater number of pods per plant (58.27), higher secondary branches (6.20) and superior 100-seed weight (22.40 g). Late sowing markedly reduced yield per plant (10.86 g) and per plot (409.24 g), primarily due to declines in pods per plant, secondary branches and primary branches under heat stress. Number of pods per plant emerged as the most important direct yield-contributing trait across environments. Genetic parameter analysis showed that PCV was slightly higher than GCV for most traits, indicating moderate environmental influence with predominance of genetic control for several characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for 100-seed weight, proline content, protein content, SLA and SLW under both environments, suggesting additive gene action and effectiveness of direct selection. Under late sown condition, number of pods per plant and yield per plot exhibited higher heritability and genetic advance, indicating better selection efficiency under stress. Physiological traits such as proline content, chlorophyll content and relative water content demonstrated high heritability with high genetic advance, highlighting their utility as reliable selection indices for heat tolerance. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations of seed yield with plant height, primary branches, seeds per plant and hundred seed weight under both conditions. The study concludes that simultaneous selection for higher pod number, seed weight and superior physiological resilience will facilitate development of high-yielding, heat-tolerant and stable chickpea genotypes suitable for changing climatic scenarios.