Abstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is cool season leguminous crop, renowned for its high protein content, particularly in regions dependent on plant-based diets. This study investigates genetic diversity, heterosis, and combining ability in chickpea to enhance yield and key agronomic traits. Conducted during the 2023 – 2024 rabi season, the research utilized a line × tester design, involving eight lines and four testers. The analysis revealed significant genetic variability among lines and crosses for several traits, including days to flowering (DF), plant height (PHT), pods per plant (PP), and seed yield per plant (SYPP). Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were assessed, identifying promising parent lines and crosses. Several combinations demonstrated positive heterosis for yield traits, with notable examples such as PBG 7 × NBEG-3 and IPC 12-211 × Katila showcasing strong yield potential. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic architecture of chickpea, which can be utilized to optimize breeding strategies aimed at enhancing productivity. The study emphasizes the importance of leveraging genetic diversity to develop high-yielding chickpea varieties that can contribute to food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers in chickpea-growing regions.
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2025-s1-009
Citation: Naik BNK, Mehandi S. 2025. Heterosis and Combining Ability Study for Yield Contributing Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). J Food Chem Nanotechnol 11(S1): S54-S58.
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