Dissecting Yield Components in Chickpea Using Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis

Abstract

Yield is the most complex quantitative trait of any crop species because it is the end product of the action and interaction of several component characters and is highly influenced by the environment. It is difficult to combine all desirable traits in a single variety. An experiment was conducted to assess genetic variability parameters in 40 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes at the Instructional Farm, Krishigadh, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, during Rabi 2024-25. The genotypes were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications for 13 quantitative traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for the number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant, 100-seed weight, and seed yield per plant, indicating the presence of substantial exploitable variability for effective selection. Furthermore, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant, harvest index, and number of primary branches per plant, suggesting the predominance of heritable genetic variation and the potential effectiveness of selection for these traits. These results suggest the predominance of additive gene action, and selection pressure may be profitably applied to these traits for improving seed yield. Seed yield per plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlations at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels with the number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant, 100-seed weight, and the number of seeds per pod. Among the traits evaluated, biological yield per plant and harvest index exerted strong positive direct effects on seed yield per plant, indicating their substantial contribution to yield improvement. Therefore, these characters may be useful selection criteria for seed yield improvement in chickpea.