Evaluation of yield criteria with phenotypic correlations and factor analysis in chickpea

Abstract

Factor analysis is a statistical technique for reducing a large number of correlated variables to a small number of main factors. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate yield criteria in chickpea using phenotypic correlations and factor analysis. The total factors explained 87% of the total variance in the characters studied. Factor 1 comprised seed yield, biological yield and number of pods per plant. In addition, the biological yield and number of pods per plant were significantly correlated with seed yield. Therefore, biological yield and number of pods per plant should be evaluated in selection to increase the seed yield in chickpea breeding programmes. Factor 2 consisted of days to flowering and flowering duration. There was significantly negative correlation between days to flowering and flowering duration. Earliness should be considered alongside flowering duration. Factor 3 encompassed plant height and first pod height. Correlation between first pod height and plant height was significantly positive. Higher first pod height should be selected because of importance of plant height at harvest. The final factor was seed weight. Seed weight should be evaluated solely for selection of large seeded genotypes. © 2004 Taylor & Francis.