Correlation and Path coefficient analysis of Morphological Characters and Seed Yield in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major pulse crop with significant nutritional value; however, its productivity remains below its genetic potential. This study evaluated genetic variability, character association, and selection criteria for seed yield improvement in twenty chickpea genotypes and one check. The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design with three replications. Twelve quantitative traits, including yield and yield-component characters, were recorded and analysed for association among the recorded traits. The present study assessed the relationships between yield and its component traits in chickpea using phenotypic and genotypic correlation, along with path coefficient analysis. The results indicated that genotypic correlations were generally stronger and more informative than phenotypic correlations, suggesting the predominant influence of inherited factors over environmental variation in the expression of yield-related traits. Seed yield per plant showed positive and significant associations with seed index, harvest index, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, and number of pods per plant. In addition, number of seeds per plant was strongly associated with pods per plant, while biological yield exhibited strong positive correlations with pods per plant and number of seeds per plant. Phenological traits also displayed positive interrelationships, indicating coordinated trait expression during crop development. Path coefficient analysis revealed that seed index, number of pods per plant, and harvest index exerted the strongest positive direct effects on seed yield per plant, while days to 50% pod setting and days to maturity contributed positively as secondary traits. In contrast, plant height and number of primary branches per plant showed negative direct contributions to yield. The study suggests that selection for seed index, pods per plant, and harvest index may be effective for improving grain yield in chickpea.