Evaluation and Utilization of High Yielding Hybrids of Chickpea

Twenty five chickpea (Cicer arietinum) hybrids, derived from crosses of five lines and five testers, along with their F₂ and parents were used to estimate heterosis, inbreeding depression and combining ability. Based on per se performance, results of the top five high yielding hybrids have been highlighted. Manifestation of heterosis was maximum for seed yield and minimum for 100-seed weight. High heterosis for a trait was generally accompanied by significant inbreeding depression. The sca variance estimates were greater than those for gca lor yield and its components, except 100-seed weight, where contribution of gca was greater. Poor combiners also could give rise to beterotic hybrids In our material. Based on these results, it is suggested that heterotic response, level of inbreeding depression and gca effects of the parents, considered together, can help in identifying the crosses that are ultimately likely to yield better performing pure lines by applying appropriate breeding methods.