Determination of selection criteria with path coefficient analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genothpes

The present study was carried out to determine selection criteria for yield and yield contributing traits in chickpea by using correlation and path coefficient analysis in F₃ population. Pods/plant had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield (.5390). The positive direct effect on grain yield was revealed by plant height, pods/plant, biological yield and 100 grain weight. However, both correlation and path analysis indicated that pods/plant was the major direct contributing trait for grain yield. The present study suggested that high number of pods/plant should be a selection criterion for improving the grain yield in chickpea.