Assessment of genetic diversity among chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes

The experiment conducted at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, India, during the rabi season of 2020-21 aimed to assess genetic diversity among 35 chickpea genotypes and identify those with traits associated with terminal heat tolerance using phenotypical parameters. Based on D2 analysis, the genotypes were classified into six clusters using the Tocher method. Clusters I and II comprised the majority of the genotypes while Clusters IV, V, and VI: were the least populated. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster III and V, followed by Cluster III and IV and Cluster III and VI. This indicated that there was significant diversity between the genotypes belonging to these clusters. In terms of agronomic traits, all clusters showed the highest mean value for grain yield under late sown conditions, indicating their potential for better yield performance. Among the 12 traits studied, 100-seed weight exhibited the highest contribution in the manifestation of genetic divergence. The diverse clusters identified in the study can be valuable for breeding programs. They can be used to develop improved chickpea varieties that are better adapted to late-sown conditions and have enhanced productivity. This could contribute to more resilient chickpea crops, especially in regions where terminal heat stress is a concern.