Pyramiding of extra large seeded and double podded traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Large seed size in 'kabuli' chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is not only important in the market due to its higher price than that of its counterparts but also for its superior seedling vigor during germination. Double-podded chickpea has a considerable yield and stability advantage over single-podded chickpea. The present study aimed for (i) integration of extra-large-seeded and double-podded traits in 'kabuli' chickpea, (ii) increasing variation by transgressive segregations and (iii) estimating heritability of 100-seed weight along with important agro-morphological traits. For these objectives, the large-seeded chickpea, Sierra, having single pods and unifoliolate leaf was crossed with the small-seeded CA 2969 having double pods and imparipinnate leaf. F1 plants were single-podded with imparipinnate leaves, indicating that progeny were true hybrid plants, while F2 plants segregated as single-podded with imparipinnate leaf over double-podded with unifoliolate leaf. Inheritance pattern of the extra-large-seeded trait seemed to be polygenically controlled dominant alleles. Transgressive segregations were not only found for 100-seed weight, but also for agro-morphological traits in F2, revealing that seed size in chickpea could be improved via intraspecific crosses. Selection for large seed size could be based on seed yield per plant since the seed yield had the highest direct effect on 100-seed weight. Some progeny in F2 with 100-seed weight of ≥ 55 g and double pods per axil had a larger seed size than that of the best parent (49.9 g). Extra-large-seeded and double-podded traits can be pyramided with intraspecific crossing of suitable 'kabuli' chickpeas.