Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Components of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Under Dry Land Condition in the West of Iran

Thirty six genotypes were tested the 2005-2006 seasons for their yield performance. In the examined characteristics, positive and significant relationships were found statistically between 100 seed weight and plant height, between the number of secondary branches and plant height, between day to heading and day to maturity, between day to maturity and number of primary and secondary branches, between seed yield and number of pod plants-1 and number of seed pod-1, between seed yield and biomass and harvest index were determined significantly. Negative and significant relationships were determined statistically between number of pod plant-1 and 100 seed weight, between seeds pod-1 and number of secondary branches. Harvest index had the greatest direct effect on seed yield (p.c. = 0.901**). Also, its indirect effect on seed yield more positive through plant high, number of pod plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and biomass, but negative and low through day to heading and maturity, 100 seed weight and number of primary branches. The present study thus suggested that selection for high seed yield should be based on biomass (biological yield) and harvest index in kabuli chickpea.