Chickpea Seeds Research Articles

Microbial biosurfactant-mediated green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and exploring their role in enhancing chickpea and rice seed germination

Malnutrition is one of the greatest challenges faced by humanity, which may be addressed by improving crop productivity to ensure food security. However, extensive use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil fertility degradation. This study highlights the potential of combining nanotechnology with biotechnology to enhance the germination rates of commercially important crop seeds. Bacterial biosurfactant extracted from a newly isolated Klebsiella sp. strain RGUDBI03 was used as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple method. Extensive characterization of ZnO NPs through electron microscopic analysis showed well-dispersed, homogeneous NPs with a size range of 2–10 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images also revealed molecular fringes of 0.26 nm in single crystal ZnO NPs, with approximately 50% of the NPs exhibiting a size range of 2–4 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of ZnO NPs indicated the presence of (100), (002), (101), (102), (200), and (112) planes, confirming their crystalline nature. The presence of C = C–H, C = C, C–H, and C = C groups in both the bacterial biosurfactant and ZnO NPs, as depicted by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, confirmed the function of the biosurfactant as a reducing and capping agent. The nano-primed chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and rice (Oryza sativa) seeds showed an increase in water uptake rate, 89% and 92% respectively, compared to the control (73% and 44%), leading to an enhanced germination rate of 98% and 76%, compared to their respective controls (80% and 30%) under optimized conditions. Additionally, the nano-primed seeds exhibited higher levels of α-amylase activity in both seeds (0.37 mg/g for chickpea and 2.49 mg/g for rice) compared to the control. Notably, the ZnO NP priming solution exhibited no cytotoxicity on red blood cells and earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae), indicating their non-cytotoxic and eco-friendly nature for future field trials.

Optical detection of single and multiple seeding using an innovative shape-recognition algorithm

The ability to accurately and continuously monitor seeding quality allows farmers to improve their seeding practices, maintain appropriate seed spacing, and maximize crop productivity. The precise detection and counting of individual seeds, especially those that pass through and overlap in pairs or multiples, is a major challenge in developing seed monitoring systems. In this research, a novel shape-based algorithm is presented that utilizes seven pairs of 3-mm infrared LEDs to efficiently recognize and count both single seeds and overlapping seeds. The outputs of the receivers were converted to binary signals by comparing them to samples taken when no seed flow was present. Each infrared receiver acted as a pixel, and to recognize and count multiple seeds, their outputs were temporarily stored in a matrix with seven columns. When the seeds passed the sensor, their outputs were analyzed together using an innovative and systematic clustering algorithm. This enables shape-based processing and recognition of passing seeds regardless of type and size, effectively reducing counting errors. The developed system was subjected to testing using seven different seed types on a conveyor belt, while one seed type underwent testing on a precision corn seeder in the laboratory. The results indicated a high level of agreement between the sensor data and the actual seed rates. The average counting accuracy for popcorn, hybrid corn, chickpea, pinto beans, coated tomato, mung beans, and soybean seeds on the conveyor belt platform was 0.99, 0.99, 0.98, 0.96, 0.8, 0.99, and 0.99, respectively. The results showed that the accuracy of the algorithm increases with increasing sphericity and size of the seeds relative to the distance between the adjacent LEDs. Moreover, the counting accuracy exceeded 97% for all rates on the precision corn seeder platform, with an average accuracy of 0.986.

Characterization of Trichoderma spp. and their antagonistic activity against soilborne fungi associated with chickpea wilt in Sinaloa, Mexico

Chickpea wilt, caused by a complex of soilborne fungi (Fusarium spp. Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), is the most important disease of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) in Mexico. The aims of this study were to characterize Trichoderma isolates using a combination of phenotypic and molecular approaches and to evaluate their antagonistic activity against soilborne fungi associated with chickpea wilt. A total of 30 Trichoderma isolates were obtained from rhizospheric soil samples collected from chickpea fields in different locations of Sinaloa, Mexico. Dual confrontation assays showed the potential antagonistic effect of Trichoderma isolates against F. languescens, M. phaseolina, R. solani, S. rolfsii, and S. sclerotiorum. Five Trichoderma isolates (FAVF335, FAVF340, FAVF345, FAVF349, and FAVF351) exhibited mycelial growth inhibition of the five pathogens that ranged from 56 to 71%. These isolates were characterized using cultural, morphological, and molecular studies and tested in vivo for their ability to control soilborne pathogens in two chickpea cultivars (Blanco Sinaloa-92 and P2245) under greenhouse conditions. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined ITS, EF-1α, and rpb2 sequence dataset identified T. afroharzianum (FAVF345, FAVF349, and FAVF351) and T. longibrachiatum (FAVF335 and FAVF340). Coating of chickpea seeds with T. longibrachiatum (FAVF335 and FAVF340) significantly reduced the disease severity and improved the plant growth-promoting attributes.

In vitro and in vivo study of the antagonistic effects of a Trichoderma strain against four isolates of Fusarium that are pathogenic to chickpea.

This study investigated the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma asperellum against chickpea Fusarium wilt through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The dual culture test showed that Trichoderma had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of the tested Fusarium isolates, with an inhibition rate ranging from 71.33% to 80.66%. The volatile and non-volatile metabolites produced by Trichoderma also showed antagonistic effects, with a growth inhibition rate ranging from 47.33% to 51.33% and a colonization rate ranging from 60% to 67%. In vivo experiments demonstrated that treating chickpea seeds with Trichoderma asperellum 48 h after inoculation with Fusarium significantly enhanced chickpea growth compared to seeds inoculated with Fusarium alone. Arial part length enhancement ranged between 69.3% and 92,19% while root length increased by 61,9% and 127%, this implied a significant improvement in biomass. These findings highlight Trichoderma's potential in controlling chickpea Fusarium wilt and enhancing plant growth, making it an environmentally friendly method in sustainable agriculture and crop protection.

Effect of cooking conditions on chickpea flour functionality and its protein physicochemical properties.

Chickpea is an important food legume that usually undergoes various processing treatments to enhance nutritional value and functional properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different cooking conditions on physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of chickpea, especially its protein macromolecules. Kabuli chickpea seeds were processed by water cooking at different temperatures (63, 79, 88, and 96°C), followed by evaluating flour solubility, water-holding capacity (WHC), pasting property, as well as the total protein profile and fractionated protein distributions. Cooking treatments significantly decreased flour solubility (from 39.45 to 25.21g/100g flour) and pasting viscosity (peak and final viscosities, from 1081 to 300.5cP and 1323 to 532cP, respectively), while increasing WHC (from 0.862 to 1.144g H2O/g flour) of chickpea flour (p<0.05). These behaviors were enhanced by increasing cooking temperature. Meanwhile, cooking induced a significant change of chickpea proteins, modifying the albumin- and globulin-like fractions of chickpea protein to display glutelin-like behavior. The current study provides potential approaches for manipulating chickpea flour functionalities (e.g., solubility, viscosity, and WHC) to address the process and product challenges and favor product innovation.

Prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and other aspergilli in the environment from Argentina.

Azole resistance has emerged as a new therapeutic challenge in patients with aspergillosis. Various resistance mutations are attributed to the widespread use of triazole-based fungicides in agriculture. This study explored the prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) and other aspergilli in the Argentine environment. A collection of A. fumigatus and other aspergilli strains isolated from soil of growing crops, compost, corn, different animal feedstuffs, and soybean and chickpea seeds were screened for azole resistance. No ARAF was detected in any of the environmental samples studied. However, five A. flavus, one A. ostianus, one A. niger and one A. tamarii recovered from soybean and chickpea seeds showed reduced susceptibility to medical azole antifungals (MAA). The susceptibility profiles of five A. flavus isolates, showing reduced susceptibility to demethylase inhibitors (DMIs), were compared with those of 10 isolates that exhibited susceptibility to MAA. Aspergillus flavus isolates that showed reduced MAA susceptibility exhibited different susceptibility profiles to DMIs. Prothioconazole and tebuconazole were the only DMIs significantly less active against isolates with reduced susceptibility to MAA. Although no ARAF isolates were found in the samples analysed, other aspergilli with reduced susceptibility profile to MAA being also important human pathogens causing allergic, chronic and invasive aspergillosis, are present in the environment in Argentina. Although a definitive link between triazole-based fungicide use and isolation of azole-resistant human pathogenic aspergilli from agricultural fields in Argentina remains elusive, this study unequivocally highlights the magnitude of the environmental spread of azole resistance among other Aspergillus species.

Glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34: Virtue in germination and growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) HC-1 crop

Modern agriculture consumes many persistent and non-biodegradable agrochemicals enhancing production and economy for farmers. Besides, chemical surfactants are used as adjuvant to augment the action of agrochemicals. A toxicity concern of these agrochemicals and adjuvants on life forms and environment cannot be ignored. Microbiologically produced, eco-friendly, biodegradable surfactants could be suggested as an alternative, however, compatibility with plants and beneficial microflora needs to be ascertained before applying them into agriculture. The current study included evaluation of biosurfactant BS34 produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae BK34 towards germination and growth of chickpea [Cicer arietinum (L.)] seeds. The biosurfactant BS34 was characterized as surfactin like glycolipopeptide based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry characterization. The biosurfactant was found non-phytotoxic during in-vitro germination of chickpea seeds as evident from very high germination index of 187.74 as opposed to the almost negligible germination index of 0.04 shown by highly phytotoxic chemical surfactant. In comparison to control, the biosurfactant seed treatment [1%(w/v)] in an in-vivo study on chickpea increased the plant height by 18%, nodule number by 11.13%, nodule fresh weight by 12.66% shoot weight by 11.20% and root weight by 34.61%. Contrarily, seed treatment by 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) inhibited the germination and growth of chickpea seeds again documenting superiority of biosurfactants over their chemical counterparts. Improved seed germination, growth and yield attributes of chickpea crop in presence of non-phytotoxic glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae BK34 suggests its potential as an alternative to chemical surfactants used in agriculture.

Synthesis and application of biodegradable seed coatings to assess the infestation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds by pests

Pulses such as chickpeas face significant damage caused by pests during their growth and storage. The overuse of synthetic pesticides on seeds requiring several cycles of active ingredient applications results in increased expenses and environmental risks by contaminating soil, water, and air. These risks of seed damage without use of harmful pesticides can be reduced by coating the seeds with biodegradable seed coatings. The objective of the study was assessing the effectiveness of biodegradable seed coating in managing stored grain pests and to examine its effects on the germination of chickpeas. For this study chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were coated with biodegradable coatings like polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients, neem oil, chitosan and mucilage-starch nanocrystals. The characterization of coatings was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. Germination of coated and uncoated chickpea seeds was observed by paper-towel method after 5 and 10 days. Chitosan coated seeds had greatest root length (3.10 ± 0.05 cm), shoot length (3.93 ± 0.08 cm), dry weight (0.24 ± 0.05 g), fresh weight (0.43 ± 0.05 g), germination rate (98.87 %) and vigour index (639.09 ± 0.05) followed by polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients coated seeds, mucilage-starch nano crystals coated seeds and control group after ten days. The lowest root length (0.97 ± 0.14 cm), shoot length (1.53 ± 0.12 cm), dry weight (0.1 ± 0.005 g), fresh weight (0.21 ± 0.14 g), germination rate (65 %) and vigour index (163.75 ± 4.72) were displayed by neem oil-coated seeds. The impact of stored grain pests was evaluated and it was shown that neem oil had the highest efficacy in controlling pulse beetle infestations followed by chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients and mucilage-starch nano crystals. Neem oil coating enhanced pest mortality by 95 % after 15 days, reduced seed damage by 16.3 % and minimized seed weight loss by 10.6 % after 30 and 45 days. Biodegradable seed coating is a cost-effective and environment friendly way to improve seed performance and protect crops sustainably.

Determination of The Optimum Conditions for Urease Extraction from Chickpea Seeds Using (Design Expert Software)

الخلاصة هدفت هذه الدراسة الى التحقق من منهجيه سطح الاستجابة (RSM)لتقيم الظروف المثلى لاستخلاص انزيم اليوريز من مصدر نباتي وتقيم خواصه الكيموحيوية حيث تم اختيار بذور الحمص كمصدر لانزيم اليوريز. اظهرت النتائج ان بذور الحمص امتلك اعلى فعالية انزيمه 3.99 وحدة /ملغم بروتين عند افضل الظروف استخلاص على التوالي ( برقم هايدروجيني 7.99,تركيز 0.2 مولاري , زمن 60 دقيقه, نسبه 1:13(وزن: حجم).وبين ان البيانات التجريبه هي افضل تركيبها للنموذج متعدد الحدود من المرتبة الثانية مع عامل الارتباط المتوقع (pred. R2 )هو 0.8477,معامل الارتباط المعدل (Adj. R2 )هو 0.9333وقيم الارتباط 0.9665 R2 وهذا يدل على ان النماذج المتوقعة والقيم التجريبية هي في اتفاق جيد.وهذه الطريقة واعده ويمكن الاستفادة منها في المستقبل ,إضافة إلى ذلك ، تحسين فعالية تكلفة هذه الإنزيمات من خلال الإنتاج الضخم ، مما يجعلها خيارًا أكثر جدوى من الناحية الاقتصادية مقارنة بالطرق الأخرى.

Biogenic synthesis of hollow carbon dots using cigarette ash for photocatalytic and sensing applications

In this research article, the synthesis of hollow carbon dots (HCDs) from cigarette ash (CA) as a precursor using simple pyrolysis method is presented. The unique hollow nature of synthesized HCDs was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen physisorption techniques. HCDs, with a size of ∼ 9 nm, exhibit specific surface area of 12.1 m2/g and stimulated pore diameter of 2.1 nm. HCDs demonstrated remarkable degradation efficiency by eradicating 91 % of rose Bengal dye within 120 min under UV irradiation at pH = 5.00 and display selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ with a detection limit of around 1.1 µM. Ecological effect of HCDs on sprouted seeds of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) revealed their capacity to positively influence multiple aspects of plant development. Introduction of HCDs into growth medium (water) appeared to stimulate shoot, root, and leaf growth, suggesting a potential role for HCDs in enhancing overall plant health and productivity. These findings enabled HCDs derived from CA as promising candidate for sensitive metal ions detection, environmental remediation, and plant growth enhancement. It is the first time to upcycle CA into distinctive HCDs, serving as a potent tool for detecting and breaking down environmental contaminants.

Integrated Management of Collar Rot of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii under Greenhouse Conditions

Collar rot, one of the major soil borne diseases of chickpea incited by Sclerotium rolfsii causes significant economic losses in chickpea crop. The present study was undertaken to identify the eco-friendly management of this soil borne disease in chickpea. In this study, the efficacy of chemical, biocontrol and biofumigation to manage the chickpea collar rot disease was tested under Greenhouse conditions. Our results revealed that the treatments involving the sole application of chemical fungicide Tebuconazole 60 FS (as seed treatment or soil application) or in combination with other treatments resulted in 100% germination of chickpea seeds. Two treatments namely T5 (SA of Tebuconazole 60 FS) and T12 (ST with Tebuconazole and SA of mustard seed cake) recorded 0.00% total mortality and hence found to be highly effective in protecting chickpea seeds from both pre emergence seed rot and post emergence seedling mortality.The results on the percent disease incidence revealed that, T10 (ST with Trichoderma spp and SA of mustard seed cake) provided maximum disease reduction of 81.93 per cent (PDI 12.04%) and 75.93 (PDI 24.07% ) per cent over the control at 30 and 45 DAS respectively. This was followed by Treatment T7 which exhibited 72.22 % (PDI 18.52%) and 69.45 % (PDI 30.55%) disease reduction over the control at 30 and 45 DAS respectively. Overall, the results of our study (considering both germination and percent disease incidence percentages), revealed that T7 (ST and SA of Trichoderma spp.) was the most effective treatment in managing the collar rot disease of chickpeas.

The effects of the magnetic field on germination and seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Organisms interact with their environment and effects of environmental factors vary depending on ecology and tolerance levels. However magnetic field is an inevitable factor for all organisms. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different magnetic field (MF) applications on germination percentage, pigment content and antioxidant capacity of two important agricultural plant (Sunflower and Chickpea) species. Initially, seeds were exposed to 5 mT, 10 mT and 20 mT magnetic field generated by Helmholtz coil for detection of germination effects. Then seedling test was survived at the same conditions. MF was applied 20 minutes for every day at the same time period. According to germination results, MF application to sunflower and chickpea seeds was resulted with increase in germination percentage compared to control. 20 mT application caused decrease in shoot length of sunflower seedlings. On the contrary, 20 mT MF application resulted with increase in shoot length of chickpea seedlings. All magnetic field strengths increased carotenoid levels in chickpea seedlings. Also, MF application affected the phenolic and flavonoid contents of sunflower and chickpea seedlings. Depending on the increase in secondary metabolites, DPPH and FRAP activities varied. As a conclusion, MF application contributed to effect on plant metabolism and it has the potential to be used in agricultural applications.

The Lethal Toxic Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Punica granatum Plant on Stages of The Southern Cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

This study was conducted to find out the toxic effect of the southern cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus stages when its food was treated with alcoholic extracts of Punica granatum peels. The study showed that the lowest percentage of hatching was 61.26% in the treatment of chickpea seeds with a concentration of 15% of P. granatum peel extract. The treatments had a clear effect on the harmful larval stage , and the highest significant percentage of death was 81.4% in cowpea seeds treated with a concentration of 25%, and all results were significantly different from the control treatment. the mortality rate significantly increased in the pupa stage, and it increased treatment significantly to 46.66% in the concentration of 25%, compared to the, control which amounted to 0%. To find out the effect of the extracts used in the study on the first generation individuals, the egg retention coefficient was calculated.

Estimating the demand for certified chickpea seeds among smallholder farmers in the Eastern and South Western Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

Estimating the demand for certified chickpea seeds among smallholder farmers in the Eastern and South Western Shewa Zones of Oromia, Ethiopia

Nutritional quality of kabuli and desi chickpea in Argentina: Effects of environment

AbstractThe environment to which a crop is exposed during the growing season has a significant impact on seed composition. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) to the agronomic features and seed quality of chickpea and (2) identify climatic variables that significantly affect chickpea nutritional composition. A total of 10 pre‐commercial and commercial cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. were evaluated in 15 environments in Argentina. Average plant height ranged between 44.7 and 55.2 cm, 100‐seed weight was 38 and 27 g, and grain yield was 750 and 1500 kg ha−1 for kabuli and desi chickpea, respectively. The results obtained from the variance component analysis showed statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) contributions of the effects of G, E, and G × E interaction on the nutritional quality of chickpea seeds. Protein, carbohydrates, and mineral content were mostly affected by E, whereas oil content was G‐dependent. Only tocopherols were affected by G × E interaction. The total phenotypic variance is mostly composed of environmental effects captured during the seed filling period. High mean daily air temperature had a negative effect on carbohydrates and increased protein and mineral content. The fatty acid profile and gamma tocopherol contents were affected by accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. Air humidity was negatively correlated with protein content and iodine value. Results from this research are useful for breeders to broaden the genetic background of chickpea genotypes and for farmers to identify climatic conditions that impact grain quality.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Microbial Biosurfactant Produced by a Newly Isolated Klebsiella sp. Strain RGUDBI03 Through a Single Step Method and Exploring its Role in Enhancing the Chickpea and Rice Seed Germination

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Microbial Biosurfactant Produced by a Newly Isolated Klebsiella sp. Strain RGUDBI03 Through a Single Step Method and Exploring its Role in Enhancing the Chickpea and Rice Seed Germination

Effective biological control of chickpea rabies (Ascochyta rabiei) through systemic phytochemical defenses activation by Trichoderma roots colonization: From strain characterization to seed coating

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a legume of great economic and agricultural importance worldwide, whose crop is severely affected by rust or Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei. The fungal genus Trichoderma includes several species widely characterized as effective biological control agents against crop pathogens. First, this work characterized several species of the genus Trichoderma as potential biological control agents of A. rabiei directly (in vitro confrontation) or indirectly in chickpea plants (activation of systemic resistance), selecting T. harzianum EN1 as the most efficient strain. Subsequently, different materials were tested as coatings to apply the T. harzianum conidia on chickpea seeds, determining that gum arabic at 1 % concentration was the one that most promoted the germination of conidia and seeds. The third phase of the study was based on the application of the coating and T. harzianum conidia on chickpea seeds and to study plant survival after infection with the pathogen A. rabiei, characterizing root colonization by Trichoderma and systemic hormonal and metabolic changes related to the induction of systemic defenses. The treatment of chickpea seeds with gum arabic and T. harzianum conidia was found to increase Trichoderma-root colonization and to improve plant survival. The induction of systemic ethylene- and melatonin-mediated resistance, which led to the accumulation of nicotinic acid in plant tissues, was considered the cause of such a protection. Therefore, T. harzianum applied as seed coating with gum arabic could be a good biological control strategy against A. rabiei on chickpea, due to the induction of systemic resistance.

Characterization and exploration of an As(III)-oxidizing bacterium TMKU1 for plant growth promotion under arsenic stress

Arsenic (As) pollution has been recognized as a serious global environmental problem. Though various remediation strategies are being explored to cope up with the As-toxicity, currently microbe-assisted detoxification of As is found to be the most promising technique for restoring As-contaminated rhizosphere soil for its eco-friendly nature. As(III)-oxidizing bacteria were reported to most suitable in this regard. In this study, an As(III)-oxidizing bacterium, TMKU1 was isolated from As-contaminated rhizospheric soil that could withstand up to 20 mM As(III) and 95 mM As(V). The strain was closely related to the genus Acinetobacter, according to 16 S rDNA analysis. The strain could transform ∼70% of As(III) to As(V) under aerobic culture condition. The transformation of As(III) was found to be catalyzed by arsenite oxidase, which is constitutive nature in this strain. The As(III)-oxidase was found to be encoded by the functional gene aioA harbored on the genomic DNA. The enzyme was localized mostly in the periplasm, and the partially purified enzyme showed the Km = 95.76667 μM and Vmax = 0.356341 M min−1g−1 protein. The novelty of this strain is that it could express plant growth promoting features like phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, IAA production and N2-fixation, both under stress-free and As-stress conditions. Seed bacterization with TMKU1 not only significantly increased the germination of chickpea seeds, but also shielded the seedlings from the As toxicity and accumulation. Overall, the results suggest that this bacterial candidate would be of potential use in agricultural practices for detoxification of As in crop field.

Chickpea seed endophyte Enterobacter sp. mediated yield and nutritional enrichment of chickpea for improving human and livestock health.

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes (Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions.

Physio-biochemical responses and crop performance analysis in chickpea upon botanical priming

Chickpea is a highly nutritious protein-rich source and one of the major crops to alleviate global malnutrition, but poor seed quality affects its productivity. Seed quality is essential for better crop establishment and higher yields, particularly in the uncertain climate change. The present study investigated the impact of botanical priming versus hydropriming and bavistin seed treatment on chickpea seeds. A detailed physiological (germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index) and biochemical (amylase, protease, dehydrogenase, phytase, and lipid peroxidation) analysis was carried out in order to assess the effect of priming treatments. Turmeric-primed seeds showed better germination rate (94.5%), seedling length, enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the expression of minor polypeptides of albumin and globulin in the primed seeds. Moreover, field experiments indicated increased crop growth, vigour, days to 50% flowering, yield and its attributing traits in turmeric-primed seeds. Botanical priming can increase chickpea yield by up to 16% over the control group. This low-cost and eco-friendly technique enhances seed and crop performance, making it a powerful tool for augmenting chickpea growth. Therefore, chickpea growers must adopt botanical priming techniques to enhance the quality of seed and crop performance. Moreover, this approach is environmentally sustainable and can help conserve natural resources in the long term. Therefore, this new approach must be widely adopted across the agricultural industry to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices.