Genotype-by-trait biplot analysis identifies superior chickpea genotypes and key yield-associated traits under semi-arid conditions1

Abstract

ABSTRACT Improving chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield under rainfed conditions requires the identification of genotypes that combine high yield potential with adaptation to environmental stresses. This study aimed to assess the genetic variation among 36 advanced chickpea lines, identify key yield-associated traits, and determine superior genotypes under semi-arid rainfed conditions. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons, using a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Morphological and yield-related traits, including plant height, oneand two-grain pods on primary and secondary branches, grain weight per pod, biomass, plant dry weight, 100-grain weight, and grain yield were measured. A genotype-by-trait biplot analysis was employed to evaluate relationships among traits and assess genotype performance across multiple traits simultaneously. The first two principal components accounted for 69 and 71 % of the variation in the first and second years, respectively. The grain yield and one-grain pods on primary and secondary branches emerged as the most discriminating traits for selection. Genotypes 4 and 6 consistently exhibited high and stable grain yield across both years, whereas genotype 27 showed superior biomass and dry weight in the second year. Traits such as plant height, grain weight, and number of grains per branch also contributed significantly to the performance of the superior genotypes.