Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for quantitative traits of seed yield, and yield components in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at Maichew, Northern Ethiopia

Twelve chickpea genotypes were tested to assess variability, heritability, correlations and direct and indirect effects between yield and yield components. Maximum phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for number of seeds per plant (33.8, 32.4), number of secondary branches per plant (30.3, 29.6), number of pods per plant (25.6, 24.7) and 100 seed weight (23.0, 22.7) respectively . High heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance as percent of mean were estimated for number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100 seed. Path coefficient analysis (seed yield as a dependent variable) revealed that seeds per plant followed by biomass yield, days to maturity and 100 seed weight had exerted positive direct effect on seed yield. To conclude, number of seeds per plant, biomass yield, 100 seed weight and days to maturity are important parameters for selecting maximum yielding genotypes in chickpea. Key words: Chickpea, genetic variability, path coefficient, heritability, correlation, genetic advance.