Studies on Seed Quality, Morphological Association and Genetic Divergence in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out during the Rabi season of 2025–2026 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Genetic and plant breeding Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 35 chickpea genotypes along with one check variety were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Observations were recorded on various qualitative and quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for most traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for seed index and seed yield per plant, suggesting additive gene action. Correlation analysis showed that seed yield per plant had strong positive association with biological yield, harvest index, and seed index. Path analysis indicated that biological yield and harvest index had direct positive effects on yield. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into seven clusters, indicating wide genetic diversity. The study suggests that selection based on key yield traits and use of diverse genotypes in hybridization can improve chickpea productivity.