Assessment of genetic variability and heritability for yield traits in chickpea ( <i>Cicer arietinum</i> L.) genotypes

Abstract Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital pulse crop cultivated globally, especially in arid and semiarid regions. This study aimed to assess genetic variability, heritability, and interrelationships among yield and yield‐related traits in 18 advanced chickpea genotypes using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the Rabi 2020–2021 season in Peshawar, Pakistan. Significant variation was observed for most traits, including seed yield, days to emergence, flowering, plant height, biological yield, and days to maturity, indicating enough genetic diversity among the genotypes. Moderate to high heritability estimates were recorded for key agronomic traits, suggesting the feasibility of genetic improvement through selection. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation analyses revealed strong positive associations of seed yield with days to 50% emergence, flowering, plant height, seeds per pod, days to maturity, and biological yield, which can serve as effective selection indices. Genotypes SL‐03‐29, MG5, and NDC‐4‐20‐2 exhibited higher seed yields and are recommended for advanced yield trials and multilocation evaluations. Additionally, early‐maturing genotypes such as NDC‐15‐01, NDC‐4‐20‐4, and NDC‐4‐20‐5 could be useful in breeding programs aimed at developing early maturing cultivars. These findings offer valuable insights for chickpea improvement and support the inclusion of stress‐tolerance traits in future breeding programs.