Estimation of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Quantitative Characters in Chickpea at Uttarpradesh (Cicer arietinum L.)

An experiment was conducted and data were pooled for 22 genotypes including one check variety Uday in Field Experimentation Centre at Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The data was recorded for 11 quantitative traits to study the amount of variability, heritability, correlation analysis, direct and indirect effects of quantitative traits in chickpea genotypes. All the eleven quantitative traits under study displayed significant differences in Analysis of variance which indicates ample scope for selecting promising lines for further breeding programs. The genotypes ICC 8058, ICC 16796, and ICC 14199 were identified as the best genotypes for seed yield per plant among 22 genotypes under study. GCV values are slightly lesser compared to PCV values specifies the minor impact of environment on studied traits. The traits seed index, harvest index exhibited highly positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation for seed yield, which are the principal traits where selection can be operated for developing superior lines. Path coefficient analysis revealed that traits harvest index, biological yield, and the number of pods per plant showed highly positive direct effects at both genotypic and phenotypic levels on seed yield per plant. From the above results and outcomes traits seed index, harvest index, and biological yield, could be contemplated for selection criteria and yield improvement in chickpea.