Spectrum of variation and transgressive segregation in F2 generation of desi chickpea

Abstract

The studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance was carried out with 720 plants of each F2 
populations of four chickpea crosses. High mean performance, wider range of variation, high heritability coupled  with  
moderate to high  expected genetic  advance as  per cent  of  mean was observed for number of branches per plant, 
number of pods  per plant and  seed  yield per  plant in GJG 0315 x ICCV 96029, GJG 0107 x GCP 105 and GJG 0719 
x SAKI 9516 of F2 populations, which indicated the predominant role of additive gene action in the expression of these 
three traits. Moderate heritability and low genetic advance was recorded for number of branches per plant, number of 
pods per plant and seed yield per plant in GAG 0419 x JCP 245. Greater number of transgressive segregants was found 
for number of branches per plant followed by days to flowering and days to maturity, number of pods per plant and 
seed yield per plant. A track on these transgressive segregants should be maintained and forwarded to further 
generations till they reach nearly homozygous condition. Most promising one can be used in further breeding 
programme.