Character association and path analysis of yield contributing traits and quality parameter in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Forty genotypes along with three check varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were assessed to work out the association of different seed yield traits, direct and indirect effects of their various attributes on seed yield. Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with pods per plant, seed yield per plant showed highly significant and negative correlation with days to 50% flowering and non-significant correlation with other characters. The characters showing significant positive correlation among yield and important characters would be highly effective and efficient in improving respective traits. Path analysis identified pods per plant and seedling length as important components having high order of direct effect to secondary branches per plant and vigour index as important components having high order of indirect effect on seed yield per plant. The characters identified above as important direct and indirect yield components merit due consideration in formulating selection strategy in chickpea for selection of high yielding varieties.