Exploring genetic diversity and analyzing seed yield characters through principle component analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A total of 40 lines, along with a check, were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). 
All the traits except number of number of primary branches per plant showed significant variation among 
the lines. Based on D2 values, 41 genotypes were grouped into four clusters. The cluster II consists of 
maximum 21 genotypes followed by cluster IV, cluster III and cluster I, which had 10, 6 and 4 
genotypes, respectively. Whereas, days to maturity (25.50) followed by days to 50% pod setting (19.58), 
days to 50% flowering (14.23) and harvest index (10.59) contributed maximum diversity. Based on 
cluster Euclidean distance matrix genotypes C-205 and CSJ-1100 had recorded maximum diversity 
(10.152). The PF Score creates a perfect base for the estimation of variability and for proper selection 
among complex characters. PCA-1 and PCA-2 join together come up with (51.61%) of variation among 
seed yield characters. Based on cluster means, cluster distances and per se performance C-205, CSJ-
1100, ICC-21168, C-1028 and C-223 were identified for inclusion in hybridization programme in this 
region.