CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS IN READY TO ROAST GENOTYPES OF DESI CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.)

The study evaluated correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield contributing traits across 16 chickpea genotypes (12 ready to roast genotypes and four commercial checks viz., JG 11, A-1, SA-1 and GULAK) during Rabi 2023-24 at three locations (Bidar, Kalaburagi and Raichur) in Karnataka.Experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design, the experiment followed recommended agronomic practices for the region.Key yield-related traits identified include the number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant and test weight.The study also found positive correlations among swelling capacity, hydration capacity, cooking time and test weight.Roasting traits like expansion index and puffing index had negative correlation with yield Traits such as plant height, primary branches and pods per plant demonstrated strong positive effects on yield, underscoring their importance for breeding programs aimed at improving chickpea productivity.