Gene action and combining ability for yield and other quantitative traits under timely and late sown conditions in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

An investigation was carried out to understand the nature and magnitude of gene action in 28 F1 hybrids of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under timely (E1) and late sown (E2) conditions. The analysis of variance revealed a considerable amount of genetic variability among the materials under study in both environments. The significant difference of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances indicated that both additive and non-additive gene action played an important role in the genetic control of all the traits under both E1 and E2 conditions. The study identified CSJ-515 and HC-5 as the best combiners for seed yield and it contributing traits under both environments, whereas Avrodhi in timely sown and CSJD-884 and RSG 963 under late sown conditions. Significantly higher specific combining ability, heterosis, and heterobeltiosis were recorded in the crosses, CSJD 884 x RSG 963, CSJD 884 x RSG 973, CSJD 884 x Avrodhi, RSG 963 x CSJ 515 in both the environment, while CSJD 884 x RSG 963 and RSG 973 x Avrodhi in late sown conditions. The identified F1 hybrids may be suitable for the improvement of grain yield in chickpeas for specific environments.