Genetic diversity analysis for productivity enhancement through desi kabuli introgression breeding in chickpea

Desi and kabuli are two seed types within the cultivated chickpea, having great contrast for various plant architectural and yield component traits. To obtain the basic information needed for advocated desi-kabuli introgression breeding for productivity enhancement in chickpea, 65 chickpea genotypes comprising both desi and kabuli belonging to bold and medium seed size categories were assessed for genetic variability for various yield component traits. Significant variability was observed for all the characters among the germplasm studied. Correlation analysis revealed highly significant positive genetic association of seed yield per plant with total branches per plant, pods per plant and 100 seed weight. Seed weight and pods per plant contributed maximum to the total genetic divergence as per Tocher’s method. The studied germplasm was grouped into 9 clusters based on genetic distance. Genetic divergence pattern through factorial coordinate analysis revealed existence of considerable genetic diversity both between and within desi and kabuli, and medium and bold seeded genotypes, and the pattern of divergence was more distinct for seed size compared to seed type. The information on genetic divergence, association among yield component traits and the identified, diverse medium and bold seeded, desi and kabuli genotypes will be of immense utility for improvement of productivity and seed size in chickpea.