Estimation of genetic variability parameters in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm

Abstract

Under experiment 105 genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for 11 quantitative characters, during Rabi season of 2013-14. The genotypic coefficient of variation was highest for seed yield per plant followed by harvest index, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and plant height. High heritability estimates were observed for 100 seed weight, plant height, days to maturity, number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant and days to 50 per cent flowering. The expected genetic advance as percent of mean was high for seed yield per plant, harvest index, 100 seed weight, number of pods per plant and biological yield per plant. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for 100 seed weight, number of pods per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant and plant height would be helpful for indirect selection in improvement of seed yield.