Genetic Enhancement of Yield Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): An Analysis of Selection in Early Segregating Generations

Background: Indirect selection for yield contributing traits in segregating generation is practiced to realize the potential yields. However, the effectiveness of selection either in early or late segregating generation is a debatable issue in self pollinated crops. The issue is addressed in chickpea by analyzing four segregating generations of a cross in the same season. Methods: A bold seeded desi chickpea variety BGD 103 crossed with JAKI 9218. The segregating generations were advanced up to F5 without selection and retaining part of the seeds in each generation. The populations comprised of 162 F-2 plants, 162 F3, F4 and F5 progeny rows were evaluated during rabi 2018-19. The observations on seed traits were recorded and data was subjected to statistical analyses to estimate correlation among the traits in each generations, inter-generation correlation and heritability. Result: The range of variation for the traits narrowed with advancement of the generations. The heritability decreased for seed weight, increased for number of pods per plant and number of seeds per plant with the advancement of generation. In all the four generations, seed yields were associated with number of pods per plant, seeds per plant and seed weight. The change in association among seed traits different generations and estimates of inter-generation correlations suggest that simultaneous improvement of seed weight, seed number and seed yield could be achieved by selection in F3 and F4 generations.