Abstract

Phenotypic and genotypic variances, heritability in broad sense (h2), genetic advance (GA), correlation and path coefficient analyses were conducted for yield and yield components in 30 genotypes of chickpea under rainfed conditions. Medium to high genetic variance was observed for days to flowering, maturity, secondary branches and 100-seeds weight, whereas for other characters, low to medium heritablity (broad sense) was observed along with low to high genetic advance. Improvement of these traits thorough direct selection could be limited from germplasm used in the present study. Days to flowering, days to maturity and 100-seed weight exhibited high heritablity coupled with high genetic advance, hence crop improvement through these traits could be possible by simple selection. It was concluded that to improve grain yield emphasis should be given on development of chickpea cultivars with higher seed weight and biological yield. To break undesirable linkage of biological yield Vs harvest index and grain yield Vs harvest index, bi-parental mating among selective parents is suggested for further improvement. Both correlation and path analyses indicated that pods per plant and 100-seed weight were potent contributors to grain yield through direct effects. Seven elite accessions which produced higher grain yield than both the checks were selected and suggested for further evaluation under various ecological zones for adaptation.