genetic variability, heritability, and interrelationships between seed yield and related components of chickpea genotypes under dryland conditions

the present investigation was carried out to study the variability, heritability, correlations and path coefficient analysis in 14 kabuli type chickpea genotypes during three successive cropping seasons (2011-14), in a randomized complete block design with four replications. combined analysis suggested significant differences between genotypes for most of characteristics. the highest phenotypic coefficients of variation (pcv) were obtained for seed yield, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per plant, respectively. furthermore, the highest genotypic coefficients of variation (gcv) were determined for seed yield, biomass yield and plant height, respectively. these results revealed that these traits could be improved via selection. high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed for seed yield, number of seeds per pod and 100 seeds weight showed that phenotypic selection for these traits might be effective. seed yield had positive and significant correlations with biomass yield and number of primary branches, thus selection for these traits could improve seed yield in chickpea. number of seeds per plant, followed by number of primary branches, 100 seeds weight and biomass yield had positive high direct effects on seed yield. meanwhile, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches and number of days to flowering could be used as an indirect selection criterion for higher seed yield.