Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies in Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an essential legume for sustainable agriculture and human nutrition, exhibits considerable genetic variability that holds promise for varietal improvement. This study evaluated 40 diverse chickpea genotypes during the Rabi season of 2021–22 at the Oil Seed Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Significant genetic variability was observed across key agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering (73.67–95.67), plant height (25.55–42.47 cm), days to maturity (125.33–150.00), and grain yield per plant (8.38–18.63 g). Traits such as 100-seed weight (37.71–65.48 g), biological yield (11.14–31.84 g), and harvest index (21.83%–36.13%) demonstrated high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for traits like pods per plant, biological yield, and 100-seed weight, suggesting these are promising targets for selection in breeding programs. Early flowering genotypes and those with superior seed weight and grain yield emerged as candidates for improving productivity and adaptability under diverse agroecological conditions. Additionally, traits with strong positive correlations with seed yield, such as the number of pods per plant and biological yield, offer valuable insights for breeding strategies.