Genetic divergence, variability and character association studies in Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum L.)

Forty genotypes of bengalgram were studied for genetic diversity and genetic variability for seven yield attributes. The analysis of variance revealed wide genetic variation for all the traits studied. The genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters out of which cluster I and II had the maximum number with seven genotypes each. Among the characters, seed yield contributed maximum towards genetic divergence. The inter cluster D2 values ranged from 145.02 to 1086.57. A close correspondence between the estimates of GCV and PCV was observed for days to maturity, number of pods per plant and seed yield. High heritability with high genetic advance observed for seed yield, number of pods per plant and number of fruiting branches per plant indicated additive gene action for these traits. Seed yield exhibited positive significant correlation with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of fruiting branches per plant and number of pods per plant.