The information related to genetic variability and diversity is most important for breeding programme. Presence of genetic divergence amid the parents is an essential criteria to expand the probabilities of selecting better genotypes for several traits. If highly diverse parents are available, the chances of enhancing individual trait also increased. The existing research was envisioned to know the amount of genetic variability and diversity amongst genotypes of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and to categorize highly divergent parents for various upcoming hybridization programmes. Genetic variability and diversity amongst the parentages is crucial to increase the chances of selection for superior segregates related to several yield attributing traits. The high value of GCV%, high heritability coupled with genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for 100 seed weight. Forty two desi chickpea lines were composed into 9 clusters based on divergence analysis. Cluster I was the biggest amongst all the clusters having 18 genotypes followed by cluster II contain 11 genotypes and cluster III had 7 genotypes. Cluster IV to Cluster IX, each with a single genotype. The maximum genotypes grouped into cluster I indicated unidirectional selection for individual character. On the basis of intra and inter cluster distance, the advance breeding lines namely, JG 74 × ICC 4958-2, JG 23 × ICC 251741, JG 74 × ICC 4958-1, JG 11 × JG 14, ICC 181109 and JG 24 were identified as promising lines and might be used as a parent in chickpea improvement programme.

Genetic diversity, variability, cluster, hybridization programme and divergence analysis.

The high value of GCV%, high heritability coupled with genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for 100 seed weight. These above revealed traits can be incorporated in selection criteria for concurrently improving the seed yield per plant in advance breeding lines of chickpea. The information related to genetic divergence of advance breeding lines is advantageous tool in management of several gene banks, germplasm tagging, elimination or/and documentation of adulteration in the genetic stock and establishing of core collections. Genetic diversity amongst the parentages is highly essential to increase the chances of selection for superior segregates related to several yield attributing traits. The current research work was conducted to estimate the availability of genetic diversity amongst advance breeding lines of chickpea and to categorize distinct divergent parents aimed at future crossing/hybridization programmes for seed yield enhancement.

Deepak Katkani, Anita Babbar, Shikha Upadhyay and Vinod Goyal (2022). Computation of Genetic Variability and Divergence Analysis in Advance Breeding Lines of Chickpea. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(2): 611-617.