Genetic Diversity Analysis of Morpho-Genetic Traits in Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract

Genetic diversity of 113 desi chickpea genotypes was studied through descriptive, principal component and cluster analysis. High variances were observed for days to flowering, maturity, plant height, pods plant -1 , biological yield and harvest index. These traits also showed positive significant correlation with yield which was confirmed through principal component analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first 4 principal components accounted for 71.99% of the total variation. Seed yield, biological yield, pods plant -1 , secondary branches and plant height in chickpea showed positive relation with the first component (PC1). Days to flowering, days to maturity, 100-seed weight showed positive correlation with the second component (PC2). The genotypes were grouped into four clusters using cluster analysis. Genotypes with early flowering and maturity were gathered in cluster I while cluster II showed dominant contribution for grain yield plant -1 , harvest index and number of pods plant -1 . The grouping of genotypes would be of practical value to chickpea breeders in identifying the genotype with desired trait for utilization in breeding program for genetic improvement. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers