Quantifying Genetic Variability and Heritability in Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for Crop Improvement

Author: Surbhi Pachori and Anita Babbar

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Abstract

Thirty-two genotypes, including three checks of kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were studied to assess their genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance effects on seed yield. The results revealed high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation for total number of pods per plant, effective number of pods per plant, total number of seeds per plant, seed yield per plant, and biological yield per plant. This indicates a significant potential for improvement in these traits through hybridization and subsequent selection. Additionally, traits such as number of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, total number of seeds per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, number of seeds per pod, and stem height of first fruiting node showed high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. The findings indicate that these traits are predominantly influenced by additive gene action, making them suitable targets for reliable selection and subsequent improvement. Understanding the gene action and genetic mechanisms related to these traits can offer valuable insights for designing breeding strategies to enhance the potential yield. Consequently, these traits are regarded as favorable choices for selection and improvement in breeding programs.

Keywords

Cicer arietinum L., genetic variability, heritability, kabuli

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the assessment of genetic parameters including genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, certain key traits have been identified for selection and improvement of yield in chickpea. These traits include total number of pods per plant, effective number of pods per plant, total number of seeds per plant, seed yield per plant, and biological yield per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were observed foras number of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, total number of seeds per plant, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, number of seeds per pod, and stem height of first fruiting node, indicating that these traits are primarily influenced by additive gene action. Therefore, selecting and improving these traits through genetic improvement efforts would effectively increase chickpea seed yield.

References

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How to cite this article

Surbhi Pachori and Anita Babbar (2023). Quantifying Genetic Variability and Heritability in Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for Crop Improvement. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 534-539.