Early Generation Selection in Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) I Variability, Correlations and Prediction of Direct and Correlated Responses in F2 Populations*

The data collected on 21 F2 populations, on seed yield, pods per plant, seeds per pod and 100-seed weight were used for an assessment of the variability and association patterns. Seed weight showed high heritability estimate. Pod number was the only component which showed significant positive correlation with seed yield. Both pod number and seeds per pod showed negative correlation with seed weight. Prediction of the direct and correlated responses was made. Direct selection appeared to be useful for improving each of the yield component traits.