Correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and it’s components traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation entitled “Correlation and Path Coefficient analysis for yield and its components traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” was conducted to evaluate correlation, and path coefficient analysis in 22 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, including two check varieties, during the Rabi 2024 season at Hirapuri Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh, India. The genotypes were evaluated using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on eleven Agro-morphological traits: days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield per plant, biological yield, 100-seed weight, and harvest index. Correlation analysis revealed that phenotypic correlations were generally higher than genotypic correlations, suggesting a significant environmental influence. Seed yield per plant showed a positive and significant phenotypic correlation with biological yield, 100-seed weight, and harvest index, while genotypic correlations were positive and highly significant only with harvest index. Path coefficient analysis indicated that at the phenotypic level, days to 50% flowering, secondary branches, pods per plant, biological yield, and harvest index had a positive direct effect on seed yield. In contrast, at the genotypic level, days to maturity, plant height, secondary branches per plant, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and harvest index showed a positive direct effect. Traits such as days to 50% flowering, primary branches per plant, seeds per pod, and biological yield exerted a negative direct effect at the genotypic level. The study concludes that these traits can serve as effective selection criteria for improving chickpea yield.