Genetic Diversity of Desi type chickpea genotypes, under dryland condition

Legumes are a second important food source for humans and a valuable supplement with high protein quality. Chickpea has the highest harvested area and yields within legumes. However, the yield of chickpea is low and there is a gap between the expected and observed yield of this crop. In order to access high yielded genotypes with suitable agronomic characteristics, genetic diversity of 40 ICRISAT originated desi chickpea genotypes and two check varieties (Kaka and Pirouz) were evaluated in complete block design with two replications in dryland agricultural research institute in Maraghe station during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Agronomic traits were recorded. Combined analysis results showed that there were significant differences between genotypes at 1% for yield, 100sw, pod number in plant and main branch numbers. For plant height at 5%. High heritability was observed for pod number in the plant (0.90) and main branch number (0.85). Cluster analysis categorized genotypes into 4 groups. Group 4 had desirable characteristics for yield, 100SW, biomass and main branch numbers. Group 2 was desirable for plant height and pod number in the plant. Principal component analysis results showed that the first four PCs explained the 71.22% of differences. The first and second PCs could be named yield and yield attributes. Results showed that ICCV 16116, ICCV 08102, ICCV 13107, ICCX-110054-F3-BP-P30-BP, ICCX-110050-F3-BP-P1-BP and ICCX-110050-F3-P28-BP were suitable to use as parents in chickpea breeding programs to access high yielded genotypes.