Genetic Divergence and Phenotypic Characterization of a Selected Diverse Set of Desi and Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Accessions Using Multivariate Analysis

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume for global food security, yet its improvement is often hindered by a narrow genetic base. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence and phenotypic structure of 24 chickpea accessions, comprising 10 Desi types, 10 Kabuli types, and 4 standard check varieties. The field experiment was conducted at ICRISAT using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, recording data on 15 quantitative traits and 7 qualitative characters. Multivariate analysis comprising of Hierarchical Clustering and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the material. The clustering analysis grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters. Cluster IV was composed entirely of check varieties which exhibited the highest seed yield (215.94 g) and 100-seed weight (21.06 g), along with the earliest maturity (92 days). Conversely, Cluster II consisted of 7 Kabuli and 1 desi genotypes characterized by high vegetative vigor but the lowest seed yield (94.83 g). The maximum inter-cluster distance (7.04) was recorded between Clusters II and IV. It suggested that crosses between these groups could yield superior combinations. PCA revealed that the first five principal components accounted for 82.52% of the total phenotypic variance. PC1 (32.19%) was primarily composed of phenological and branching traits, but PC2 (19.05%) indicated a trade-off between seed weight and pod number. The analysis showed significant phenotypic diversity and identified key traits as primary targets for selection. These findings provide a strategic framework to exploit genetic divergence and enhance yield potential through targeted hybridization programs. The identified genetically divergent accessions and key yield-associated traits can serve as valuable parental resources for chickpea improvement programs. The findings will aid breeders and researchers in developing high-yielding, early maturing, and genetically diverse chickpea cultivars through strategic hybridization and selection approaches.