Genetic Analysis of Physiochemical Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Seeds

Forty genotypes of chickpea were evaluated to estimate genetic variability, heritability, genetic gain and correlation among physiochemical traits. Significant genotypic differences were revealed for all traits except hydration index. Maximum 100-seed weight of 35.7 g was recorded in genotype NCS-0607 and NCS-0529, seed volume of 0.28 mL seed(-1) in Flip 02-18C, hydration capacity of 10.37 g seed(-1) in Flip 02-36C and swelling capacity of 0.94 mL seed(-1) in NCS-0708. The high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for 100 seed weight, seed volume and hydration capacity i.e., 17.89, 22.02 and 17.82, respectively. High heritability and genetic gain was observed in all characters except hydration index. A positive and significant association of 100-seed weight occurred with seed volume (0.723), with hydration capacity (0.732) and with swelling capacity (0.695). Seed volume showed positive correlation with hydration capacity (0.651) and swelling capacity (0.311). Genotypes Flip 02-63C, NCS-0708, NCS-0529, AZC-06, Punjab-2008, CMC-211S appeared promising based on their phenotypic performance. Selection was based on swelling capacity in small and medium seeded genotypes. Hydration capacity, hydration index and swelling capacity in large seeded genotypes may prove advantageous for improvement of physiochemical traits in chickpea. (C) 2011 Friends Science Publishers