Abstract
Frost stress is one of the most significant abiotic factors affecting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. To investigate the frost tolerance of chickpea, 673 genotypes were characterized using an augmented design at Bakelo, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia for two years. A significant (p < 0.01) variability amongst genotypes was recorded for all agronomic traits considered. A considerable number of accessions better performing over the frost susceptible genotypes were identified for agronomic traits. Stem/leaf pigmented genotypes showed a better reaction for frost stress than non-pigmented genotypes. The majority of black seeded chickpea adapted well under frost stress when compared to with brown and white seeded genotypes. According to the freezing tolerance rate (FTR) and plant survival rate (SR), 83 (12.3 %) and 85 (12.6 %) genotypes were identified as frost tolerant. There was a strong correlation (p < 0.01) in grain yield with FTR, SR, seed shriveling score, stem/leaf pigmentation and seed color. Based on our findings, Ethiopian chickpea landraces has a good genetic potential for frost resistance traits for use in breeding programs.
Highlights
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation and utilization are profoundly notable within Ethiopian culture and produced by smallholder farmers under rainfed condition (Ferede et al, 2018)
The performances of the chickpea genotypes in response to frost stress were assessed in natural condition and the results obtained are discussed
ANOVA was performed for the two seasons separately because the intensity of frost stress was different for both years
Summary
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation and utilization are profoundly notable within Ethiopian culture and produced by smallholder farmers under rainfed condition (Ferede et al, 2018). Chickpea production is suited to areas having vertisol-dominated soil with an altitudinal range of 1400 to 2300 meters above see level (Bejiga et al, 1996) It is cultivated across a wide selection of zone (Fikre et al, 2018). Ethiopia is considered to be the second greatest diversity hotspot of chickpea amongst major chickpea growing countries (Van der Maesen, 1987) Taking into consideration both immense variability among the chickpea germplasm and many agroecological zones as well as the increased demand for animal feed and processed foods (Fikre et al, 2020; Muoni et al, 2019; Shiferaw &Hailemariam, 2007), Ethiopia features great potential to expand chickpea production within the highland areas if the chickpea varieties are resistance to frost stress
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