Search

To assess the response to early generation selection in chickpea, a total of 150 F4 progenies derived from selection for total branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight as independent selection criteria in F2 population of Pusa 362 (desi) × PG 0515 (kabuli) cross were evaluated along with their parents and unselected F2 bulk. The F2 population revealed high variability for all the yield components and transgressive segregation for all traits except 100-seed weight. Mean of the F4 families relative to the corresponding F2 plants was high, indicating effectiveness of early generation selection for all characters studied except branch number per plant. Significant correlated response for seed yield was also observed in F4. Based on realized response to selection as percentage of mean, realized heritability and realized generalized response values, we suggest utilization of pods per plant, seed yield per se and 100-seed weight as selection criteria in desi-kabuli introgression breeding for higher genetic gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desi and kabuli are two seed types within the cultivated chickpea, having great contrast for various plant architectural and yield component traits. To obtain the basic information needed for advocated desi-kabuli introgression breeding for productivity enhancement in chickpea, 65 chickpea genotypes comprising both desi and kabuli belonging to bold and medium seed size categories were assessed for genetic variability for various yield component traits. Significant variability was observed for all the characters among the germplasm studied. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant positive genetic association of seed yield per plant with total branches per plant, pods per plant and 100 seed weight. Seed weight and pods per plant contributed maximum to the total genetic divergence as per Tocher's method. The studied germplasm was grouped into 9 clusters based on genetic distance. Genetic divergence pattern through factorial coordinate analysis revealed existence of considerable genetic diversity both between and within desi and kabuli, and medium and bold seeded genotypes, and the pattern of divergence was more distinct for seed size compared to seed type. The information on genetic divergence, association among yield component traits and the identified, diverse medium and bold seeded, desi and kabuli genotypes will be of immense utility for improvement of productivity and seed size in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]