Attributes of Seed Yield in Relation to Seed Size in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present study was carried out to determine the component characters of seed yield in relation to seed size in chickpea. Fifty-three genotypes of diverse origin were grouped based on seed size as small (G I), medium (G II) and bold (G III). Significant differences were found among seed groups and genotypes. Multiple regression analysis indicated that pods per plant was found to be major contributor of seed yield among all the groups of chickpea. Days to flowering in medium seeds and days to maturity in bold seeds had shown their substantial contribution towards seed yield. Path analysis indicated that pods per plant had the highest positive direct effect on seed yield but its effect was diluted with increase in seed size. Negative indirect effect of seed weight in large seed group indicated that breeding for much larger seeds may not be helpful in increasing its productivity and greater attention should be paid on medium bold seeds. Based on per se performance superior genotypes like BGD 116 and BGD 115 for high number of pods, seed yield and bold seed size; H 95–25 and BGM 528 for high number of pod; Vijay, 1G 74 and RSG 964 for early flowering could be considered in chickpea breeding programme.