Genetic and environmental contributions to variation in seed quality, growth, and yield in different genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through fortification techniques

The present investigation entitled “Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Variation in Seed Quality, Growth, and Yield in Different Genotypes of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Through Fortification Techniques” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, to evaluate the effect of GA₃ 0.5% and PEG 60000.5% on the performance chickpea genotypes. Significant differences were observed among the twelve chickpea genotypes and treatments for various growth and yield parameters. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 75.33 days in LOCAL+PEG6000 @0.05% to 80.33 days in AVRODHI. Plant height at 30 DAS was highest in DNA334 (31.73 cm) and lowest in RADHEY+PEG6000 @0.05% (18.13 cm). Similarly, plant height at 60 DAS ranged from 21.80 cm to 36.73 cm, and at 90 DAS from 53.03 cm (Pusa 362) to 60.40 cm (Pusa362+GA3 @0.05%).The number of pods per plant was maximum in AVRODHI+GA3 @0.05% (65.33), followed by Pusa362+GA3 @0.05% (63.93), and minimum in LOCAL (41.97). Branches per plant ranged from 3.97 (DNA334) to 6.07 (LOCAL+PEG6000 @0.05%).In terms of maturity, genotypes matured between 121.67 days (DNA334+GA3 @0.05%) and 130 days (Pusa 362). Seed yield per plot was highest in AVRODHI (1.50 kg) and lowest in RADHEY (0.81 kg). The biological yield ranged from 1.24 kg to 2.02 kg, with the highest value again recorded in AVRODHI. The 100-seed weight was highest in Pusa362+GA3 @0.05% (27.97 g) and lowest in RADHEY+PEG6000 @0.05% (20.23 g). The harvest index varied from 59.27% (DNA334) to 77.42% (LOCAL), while seed yield per plant was highest in AVRODHI+GA3 @0.05% (15.97 g).