Relative potential of seed yield component traits as selection criteria in the segregating generations of a desi × kabuli cross of chickpea

To assess the response to early generation selection in chickpea, a total of 150 F₄ progenies derived from selection for total branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight as independent selection criteria in F₂ population of Pusa 362 (desi) × PG0515 (kabuli) cross were evaluated along with their parents and unselected F₂ bulk. The F₂ population revealed high variability for all the yield components and transgressive segregation for all traits except 100-seed weight. Mean of the F₄ families relative to the corresponding F₂ plants was high, indicating effectiveness of early generation selection for all characters studied except branch number per plant. Significant correlated response for seed yield was also observed in F₄. Based on realized response to selection as percentage of mean, realized heritability and realized generalized response values, we suggest utilization of pods per plant, seed yield per se and 100-seed weight as selection criteria in desi-kabuli introgression breeding for higher genetic gains.