Characterization of chickpea advanced breeding lines based on morphological traits

Abstract

Modern plant breeding and agricultural practices have significantly narrowed the genetic base of cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), highlighting the urgent need to explore new sources of genetic variation that can be utilized in crop improvement programs. Morphological characterization serves as a valuable tool for assessing observable traits in crop plants, facilitating the identification, classification, and understanding of genetic and morphological diversity within advanced breeding lines. In the present study, 20 advanced breeding lines of desi chickpea were evaluated during the Rabi season of 2023-24, with JG-24, JG-36, and JG-18 included as standard checks. The evaluation was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Morphological characterization was performed based on 20 Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) descriptors as recommended by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Government of India (2007). Among the 20 DUS traits, all breeding lines exhibited a paripinnate leaf pattern with serrate leaf blades. Additionally, all lines produced a single, pink, striped flower per peduncle and showed the presence of anthocyanin coloration on the stem.