Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in Extra Large and Large Seeded Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Thirty kabuli chickpea genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Character association analysis revealed that number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant shoot biomass per plant and harvest index showed highly significant and positive correlation with seed yield per plant. Path analysis also revealed that among correlated traits, harvest index and shoot biomass exerted high direct effect on seed yield per plant. Hence, selection would be more effective through harvest index and shoot biomass to improve seed yield.