Seed Deterioration in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Accelerated Ageing

Abstract

Accelerated ageing test were made in five chickpea varieties viz., three desi (Pusa 256, Pusa 212 and BGD 72) and two kabuli (Pusa 267 and K551) with the objective of studying sequence and relationship of process of deterioration over short periods. All the varieties were investigated to consider whether there are cultivars differences for tolerance to ageing conditions. In the study, effect of accelerated ageing on seed viability, seedling vigour and biochemical process were explored. The overall results showed that seed quality in chickpea deteriorates following accelerated ageing treatment. All the physiological parameter viz., germination percentage, seedling root length, shoot length and consequently the vigour index in all varieties were significantly decreased. An increase in moisture content was observed during ageing. Decrease in seed viability and germination rate, vigour is also correlated with biochemical changes (decreased soluble proteins and sugar content) associated with seed ageing. The study also exhibited differential responses among varieties with respect to ageing. All the test experiments performed concluded that Pusa 256 is the best variety, followed by K 551 among all five varieties and Pusa 212 is highly sensitive variety with respect to accelerated ageing.