Evaluation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes under Organic Condition

Aims: The improvement in crop yield depends upon the magnitude of genetic variability available in breeding material and the extent to which the yield component traits are heritable from generation to generation.

Study Design: Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.) between October 2019 and June 2020.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted using twenty-two genotypes of chickpea in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications along with plot size of 1.20 x 1 m and the plant geometry was maintained at 10cm X 30cm during Rabi 2019-20. The material was shown on 23rd October, 2019. Observations were recorded on the basis of five random competitive plants selected from each genotype separately for yield and its attributing parameters were evaluated as per standard procedure.

Results: The genotypes were highly significant for all characters expect day to 50% germination, number of primary branches per plant, root fresh weight and root dry weight. High phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) were observed for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant.

Conclusion: Highly significant genetic variability present in the existing material which can be used in breeding programme for crop improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, hence, that these traits can be improved through direct selection.