Genetic variability in indigenous collection of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for seed yield and quality traits

Present study was carried out to ascertain the extent of genetic variability in the population of 48 different chickpea genotypes with respect to yield, nutritional quality and other agronomic characters. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for 100-seed weight followed by methionine content, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant and number of seeds per pod. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for methionine content, 100-seed weight, pods per plant and days to flowering indicating the predominance of additive gene action. The results demonstrated ample scope for improving seed yield in chickpea through selection of 100-seed weight, pods per plant and days to flowering. The protein quality can also be improved through changing the methionine content through selection.