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MULTIVARIATE ANALYSES IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.)

ABDUL GHAFOOR, ZAHOOR AHMAD, ASIF JAVAID AND MUHAMMAD ASHRAF*

Abstract: Thirty genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for 10 quantitative traits using multivariate techniques. The first three PCs with eigen values >1 contributed 83.38% of the variability amongst genotypes. Populations with high PC₁ values were high yielding and characterized by high yield potential, 100-seed weight and harvest index. The populations with high PC₂ values were early in flowering and maturity, high in biological yield and pods but low in seed weight and harvest index. Seven characters were positive to PC₁ and five contributed maximum, thus this principal component is a weighted average of the characters. The scattered diagram on the basis of first 3 factors gave separation of two groups. One group in the left half consisted six accessions and of these five originated from the District Khushab, whereas other group in the right half of the graph consisted accessions from the Districts of Bhakkar and Layyah alongwith two checks. Cluster analysis also confirmed the findings of principal component analysis. The promising accessions may be chosen from particular groups or cluster for hybridization programs. Clusters with superior agronomic types identified, may be exploited for genetic potential to transfer the desirable genes to improve yield potential of the crop.

Plant Genetic Resources Institute (PGRI), National Agricultural Research Centre, (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan.

National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author: ghafoor59@hotmail.com