Studies on Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was carried out to study genetic variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis in thirty-six chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.). The success of the breeding program is largely dependent on the genetic variability available in the existing germplasm and its efficient utilization in the breeding program. GCV and PCV, heritability, and genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean were estimated. Correlation and path coefficient analysis was carried out to identify yield contributing traits. Phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the traits. The number of primary branches per plant and seed yield per plant exhibited moderate PCV & GCV. Maximum heritability and genetic advance over mean were recorded for 100-seed weight followed by seed yield per plant among all the characters studied. The traits 100-seed weight and number of pods per plant have a favorable and highly significant correlation with seed yield. 100 seed weight had the most positive direct effect on seed yield per plant, followed by the number of pods per plant. Correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated selection based on numbers of pods per plant and 100-seed weight are important to achieve higher seed yield in chickpea crop improvement.