Estimation of genetic parameters and character associations for yield and quality traits in chickpea

Twenty genetically diverse chickpea genotypes were grown in a randomized block design experiment with three replications during two years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Data on individual plants were recorded on days to 50% flowering, seed yield, protein content (%), volume of seed (ml), density of seed, hydration capacity, swelling capacity, cooking time (min) and swelling index (%).The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters  showing enough variability among the genotypes. Further, the estimates of heritability were high for all the traits except days to 50% flowering in both the years. Swelling index, volume of seed, cooking time and seed yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated that these characters are under additive genetic control and simple selection will be effective for their improvement. None of the quality traits showed any association with seed yield, however, quality traits showed certain positive/negative associations among selves e.g. volume of seed showed significant and positive association with hydration capacity and swelling capacity; swelling capacity with hydration capacity in both the years. Further, density of seed showed significant and negative association with volume of seed and hydration capacity during both the years.