Yield Of Chickpea Research Articles

Synergistic interaction of Piriformospora indica and microbial inoculants on symbiotic potential, plant nutrition and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

The present study was carried out during the winter season of 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Indian Agricultural Re search Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the efficacy of microbial bioinoculants in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) us ing combinatorial approach. A group of microbial inoculants (Mesorhizobium ciceri). Phosphate-solubilizing micro organisms and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) in presence and absence of P fertilizer was used to testify its synergistic effect with Piriformospora indica on symbiotic traits, growth and yield of chickpea under field condi tions. Significant differences were observed with respect to symbiotic potential and other associated parameters with combined inoculation. Inoculation with Mesorhizobium ciceri enhanced nitrogenase activity and leghemoglobin content significantly over un-inoculated control. Significant improvement in N and P nutrition with combined inoculation amended with 30 kg P/ha emphasized the beneficial effect of these and similar trend was reflected in productivity enhancement as well.

Effect of nutrition management and irrigation methods and schedule on productivity, economics and water-use efficiency in soybean (Glycine max) chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping sequence in alluvial soil

A field experiment was conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Morena, Madhya Pradesh, to study the ef fect of nutrition management, and methods and scheduling of irrigation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence. An irrigation at 0.6 irrigation water:cumulative pan evaporation (IW:CPE) ratio resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes, seed yield, economic benefits and water pro ductivity of soybean compared with 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Similarly, an irrigation at 0.4 IW:CPE ratio significantly in fluenced the yield-attributing characters, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratios, whereas height and number of branches increased with in creasing IW:CPE ratio. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of both the crops. The irrigation at 0.6 IW:CPE ratio showed 51.3% and 39.0% higher seed of soybean over 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratio, whereas 0.4 IW:CPE of irrigation yielded 14.5% and 32.5% higher seed of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Mean response of sprinkler irriga tion was recorded 8.3% in soybean and 11.7% in chickpea higher seed yield over check basin irrigation. Likewise, increases in growth and yield attributes, seed yield, water productivity and protein production of soybean and chickpea were noticed with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared with other nutrition treatments. Addition of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha also achieved higher system productivity, net profit and production and economic efficacy. After harvesting of the second crop of chickpea, maximum availability of N, P, K and S was recorded under 0.4 IW:CPE ratio, sprinkler irrigation and application of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared to other treatments.

Effect of variable irrigation supply based diversification of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system on productivity, profitability, soil fertility and water expense efficiency

A field experiment was conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Morena, Madhya Pradesh, to study the ef fect of nutrition management, and methods and scheduling of irrigation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence. An irrigation at 0.6 irrigation water:cumulative pan evaporation (IW:CPE) ratio resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes, seed yield, economic benefits and water pro ductivity of soybean compared with 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Similarly, an irrigation at 0.4 IW:CPE ratio significantly in fluenced the yield-attributing characters, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratios, whereas height and number of branches increased with in creasing IW:CPE ratio. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of both the crops. The irrigation at 0.6 IW:CPE ratio showed 51.3% and 39.0% higher seed of soybean over 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratio, whereas 0.4 IW:CPE of irrigation yielded 14.5% and 32.5% higher seed of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Mean response of sprinkler irriga tion was recorded 8.3% in soybean and 11.7% in chickpea higher seed yield over check basin irrigation. Likewise, increases in growth and yield attributes, seed yield, water productivity and protein production of soybean and chickpea were noticed with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared with other nutrition treatments. Addition of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha also achieved higher system productivity, net profit and production and economic efficacy. After harvesting of the second crop of chickpea, maximum availability of N, P, K and S was recorded under 0.4 IW:CPE ratio, sprinkler irrigation and application of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared to other treatments.

Effect of basal and foliar application of diammonium phosphate in cognizance with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of rainfed chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

A rainfed experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of diammonium phosphate (DAP) applied through soil and foliage in conjunction with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on growth characters, yield attributes and yield, seed protein content, nutrient uptake and phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE) of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The application of 50 kg DAP/ha as basal + 50 kg DAP/ha as foliar in 2 splits 45 and 60 days after sowing + PSB significantly increased the growth attributes (plant height, primary branches/plant, leaf area/plant, number and dry weight of nodules/plant, root and shoot dry weight/plant, root: shoot ratio), yield attributes and yield (pods/plant, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield), seed protein content, N and P uptake and PUE of chickpea. However, seeds/ pod and harvest index were not affected significantly due to the application of DAP in cognizance with PSB. Thus, split application of 100 kg DAP/ha (½ through soil + ½ through foliage in 2 splits at 45 and 60 DAS) in conjunction with PSB proved effective in enhancing growth, yield (1,486 kg/ha; 102% increase over the control) and quality of chickpea grown under rainfed conditions.

Integrated foliar application of potassium with soil applied nitrogen and phosphorus improves productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Optimal nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization can enhance growth and yield of chickpea. However, little is known on nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization supplemented with foliar application of potassium on productivity of chickpea. Therefore, a study was designed with the aim to explore–efficiency of soil applied nitrogen and phosphorus in combination with foliar potassium nutrition on performance of chickpea. The chickpea cultivar Bittle-98 was grown in plastic pots filled with 10 kg of soil following Randomized Complete Design (RCBD). Various treatments comprising control (T1), nitrogen 160mg/pot (T2), phosphorus 385mg/pot (T3), nitrogen 160mg/pot + 0.75% K2SO4 foliar (T4), phosphorus 385mg/pot +0.75% K2SO4 foliar (T5), and nitrogen 160mg/pot + phosphorus 385mg/pot+0.75% K2SO4 foliar (T6) were tested. The T6 resulted in maximum plant height (64.37cm), number of pods per plant (45.46), seeds per pod (1.40) 100-seed weight (18.03g), SPAD counts (34.52), seed yield (35.80g/pot), and biological yield (85.24g/pot) than rest of the treatments. The yield in response to T3 was significantly higher than T2, mainly because of higher pods frequency, indicating that phosphorus is more imperative than nitrogen to harvest maximum yield of chickpea. The yield obtained was in the order of T6>T5>T4>T3>T2. It is revealed that soil applied nitrogen plus phosphorus supplemented with foliar potassium is an effective strategy to harvest higher yield of chickpea. Recommended soil application of nitrogen and phosphorus with foliar 0.5% K2SO4 is suggested to harvest maximum yield of chickpea.

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.

Study of Physiological Growth Indices and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Soil and Foliar Application Through Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

An investigation was conducted in Rabi season of 2023-24 at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, to evaluate the performance of physiological indices on chickpeas under soil and foliar application. The experiment was established on a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD). The treatments were soil application of NPK 100 percent (A1), NPK 100 percent + FYM 10 t ha-1 (A2), NPK 100 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1 (A3), NPK 75 percent + FYM 10 t ha-1 (A4) and NPK 75 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1 (A5) combined with foliar applications, viz., Nano-DAP (B1) and Nano-Urea (B2). The results of the study revealed that morpho-physiological attributes of chickpeas were statistically increased by the application of soil (NPK 75 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1) combined with foliar (Nano-urea) nutrient management practices resulting in maximum grain yield of 15.64 q ha-1 and stover yield of 30.49 q ha-1. The results of this study underscore the importance of integrated nutrient management practices involving soil and foliar applications in enhancing the physiological indices of chickpeas.

Influence of Microbial Enriched Organic Manures with Inorganic Nutrients on the Physiological Attributes and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was conducted to study the integrated use of microbial enriched organic manures with inorganic fertilizers on the physiological attributes of chickpea in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, during the late rabi season of 2023. The outcome of the study delineates the substantial efficacy of treatment T5 (100% N: P2O5: K2O + Microbial enriched vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1) and T4 (100% N: P2O5: K2O + Microbial enriched FYM @12.5 t ha-1) in significantly augmenting the physiological growth and development of chickpea crop, resulting in an improved yield of 12.76 q ha-1 and 12.59 q ha-1 respectively.

An Overview of the Biological Aspects, Nature of Damage and Strategies for Managing the Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in Chickpea: A review

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, a globally widespread and cosmopolitan insect pest, poses a significant threat to chickpea productivity worldwide. The effective management of this pest is paramount for ensuring sustainable chickpea yields. The life cycle of H. armigera spans approximately 4-5 weeks, progressing through egg, larvae, pupae and adult stages. During the initial 1st to 3rd instar larval phases, the insect primarily engages in feeding on leaves, twigs, and flowers. As the larvae advance to the 4th to 6th instar stages, they shift their focus to developing pods, creating holes or bores and consuming entire seeds. Yield losses of up to 90 percent may occur, contingent upon insect density and cultivar susceptibility. A comprehensive approach to sustainable chickpea pod borer management encompasses the utilization of resistant cultivars, strategic manipulation of sowing dates, maintaining optimal crop density, nutritional management, deployment of trap crops (such as maize, sunflower, sorghum, safflower, pigeon pea, okra and tomato), installation of animated bird perches and the application of biological control measures involving plant extracts, virus/bacteria-based insecticides and entomopathogenic nematodes. In instances of pod borer outbreaks, chemical insecticides are considered a last resort for farmers. However, the adoption of resistant cultivars, adherence to recommended cultural practices and the integration of biological control methods have proven to be more efficacious, economically viable, sustainable and environmentally friendly in the management of chickpea pod borer.

Effect of Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms and Phosphorus Levels on Growth Yield and Quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Inceptisol

A field study was conducted to know the “Effect of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and phosphorus levels on growth, yield and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in inceptisol.” The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with sixteen treatments, replicated thrice during rabi season of 2019-20 at the Department Research Farm of SSAC, College of Agriculture, Latur. The treatments comprises four main (absolute control, Bacillus megaterium, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed treatment) and four sub treatments (0,45,60 and 75 P2O5 kg ha-1). The results indicated that, the incorporation of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms viz. Aspergillius awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed in combination with soil application of 75 P2O5 kg ha-1 found to be effective in improving growth and yield attributing characters viz. number of root nodules, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content , grain yield and straw yield as compared to Aspergillus niger and Bacillus megaterium along with 60 P2O5 kg ha-1 and over control. Further results revealed that test weight and protein percentage was significantly influenced with the seed treatment of Aspergillius awamori @ 10 ml kg-1 seed in combination with application of 75 P2O5 kg ha-1.

Response of chickpea's yield and yield components to double inoculation with mycorrhiza and rhizobium under split application of nitrogen

AbstractThe utilization of advantageous microorganisms as a biofertilizer has gained significant importance in the agricultural industry due to their potential contribution to food safety and the sustainable cultivation of crops. To evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza and rhizobium on the yield and yield component of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a 2‐year field experiment was conducted in 2020–2021 at the Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment was designed as a randomized block trial in factorial design with three replicates. The treatments included two levels of inoculation (noninoculated and inoculated with rhizobium and mycorrhiza) and application of different levels of N fertilizer (0, 25, or 50 kg ha−1) at three growth stages (sowing, flowering, pod filling) as follows; F0 (0,0,0), F1 (25,0,0), F2 (25,25,0), F3 (25,25,25), F4 (50,0,0), F5 (50,50,0) and F6 (50,50,50), respectively. The results showed that seed inoculation and split N fertilization significantly increased yield and yield components in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Seed inoculation showed the highest values for all traits studied compared to the noninoculated treatments. Moreover, among the fertilizer treatments, the highest values for plant height (41.8 cm), number of branches (9.1), number of grains per plant (17.8) and 100‐grain weight (30.4 g) from F6 through the F3 treatment, were statistically similar. The results show that the effect of inoculation is more significant when a lower amount of N fertilizer is applied. Due to the health and environmental problems associated with chemical fertilizers, double inoculation and split application of N fertilizers at lower doses can be recommended.

Study on Variability and Character Association Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a legume crop belonging to the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae). Therefore, a better insight to the association of yield with its component traits can be helpful in improving the chickpea yield. The present study was conducted with 25 chickpea genotype to understand the magnitude of variability, heritability, genetic advance and the association of various yield components and their direct and indirect effect on yield of chickpea based on twelve traits at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during October–January 2022. ANOVA revealed significant variation existed for most of the trait. High GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance recorded by harvest index, seed yield, number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod. Seed yield per plant shows highly significant and positive association with harvest index, number of pod per plant. Harvest index number of pod per plant and biological yield per plant showed highest direct effect on seed yield per plant.

Evaluation of different plant products against pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infesting chickpea under certified organic farming system

Pest management under organic farming is a challenging task, wherein, ecofriendly approaches against insect pest were accomplished through the use of appropriate strategies which promotes manipulation and alteration of agro-ecosystem. In this view, an experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with JG-11, a chickpea variety sown during rabi of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at certified organic block (certified since 2006), Bio-Resource Farm, Institute of Organic Farming, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The analysis of pooled data for two seasons revealed that, among various plant products evaluated the plots treated with NSKE @ 5% found superior with significantly least larval population of Helicoverpa armigera (0.72 larvae/m row), with minimum per cent defoliation (12.02%) as well as significantly lower pod damage (11.75%) which was followed by Vitex negundo @ 5%. Similarly, statistically higher chickpea yield was noticed under plots sprayed with NSKE @ 5% with (825.40 kg/ha) with B:C ratio (1.77) during 2021-22, and (788.36 kg/ha) with B:C ratio of (1.69) during 2022-23, compared to untreated check with 161.02 kg/ha and 195.77 kg/ha during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. However, in comparison with inorganic check, organically treated plots documented, relatively higher population of major natural enemies of chickpea ecosystem such as Campoletis chlorideae and coccinellids which was on par with untreated control.

Exploring Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Accessions in the Northwestern Region of India

Assessing genetic variability makes it easier to identify stronger genotypes, allowing to produce high-yielding crops that are climatically resilient and promote efficient crop improvement. The present study aimed to assesses the genetic variability, association study & path analysis of 51 chickpea [Cicer arietinum (L.)] genotypes on 12 characteristics. The experiment utilized Randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab. The ANOVA recorded significant variance at the 1% level for all traits, indicating considerable variability amongst germplasm. SY expressed comparatively high Genotypic coefficient of variance and heritability with other traits, indicating that it is the most heritable trait and has the highest potential for improvement through selective breeding. Positive correlation with SY was revealed by PH, NPB, NSB, NPP, NFP, TW, BY, HI. Path analysis revealed that NFP had highest positive effect on SY followed by NUFP, HI, BY, NSB, TW, DFF & DM suggesting selection from any of these traits would be beneficial. When selecting traits to improve yield in chickpea through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help understand yield-influencing factors for resilient chickpea varieties in Punjab environmental conditions.

Relative Discriminatory Ability of AMMI and GGE Biplot in Analysis of GxE Interaction for Yield and Seed Index in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: The research focused on investigating the impact of genotype-environment interaction on the yield stability and performance of eight chickpea genotypes across three different locations (Bhatapara, Kawardha and Raipur). Method: The study employed a randomized block design with two replications in each environment in Rabi season during 2021-22. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variations between environments and genotype-environment interaction (G x E) based on AMMI and GGE biplot. Results: To visualize the genotype-environment relationship, a two-dimensional GGE biplot was created using the first two principal components, which accounted for 87.8% and 11.5% of the interaction’s variation. The GGE biplot indicated that genotype g4 (ICCX 161100-B-B-B-B) in environment e2 (Kawardha) and g8 (JG-24) in environment e1 (Bhatapara) exhibited high yield. Genotype g3 (ICCV 201112) in environment e3 (Raipur) also showed high yield, while genotype g5 (JG 2020-10) demonstrated stability across all three environments. Furthermore, the AMMI analysis identified genotype g2 (ICCV 201103) as a superior performer in terms of yield stability across environments. By employing the GGE biplot and AMMI analysis, the study categorized the genotypes into three groups, facilitating simplified visual evaluations. The GGE biplot highlighted that genotype g8 (JG-24) exhibited better seed index in environment e3 (Raipur), while genotype g1 (ICCV 201210) performed well in environment e1 (Bhatapara). Genotype g2 (ICCV 201103) demonstrated a good seed index in all three environments. The AMMI analysis indicated that genotype g3 (ICCV 201112) had a slightly lower seed index but maintained stability across all environments. Overall, the findings of this investigation, as represented by the GGE and AMMI biplots, visually illustrated the relationship between genotypes and environments. The identified genotypes hold potential for improving yield production and further research and breeding efforts can be based on these findings.

Improving growth and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) of south eastern Punjab with optimal plant population and fertility level

The study aimed to investigate the impact of plant populations and fertility levels on growth and yield attributes of chickpea cultivars. For this, a field experiment was conducted with two cultivars (PBG 7 and GPF 2), two levels of plant populations (3.33 and 2.22 lakh plants/ha) and two fertility levels (20:40:20 and 30:60:30 kg NPK/ha) at south-eastern Punjab (Patiala) during the winter season of 2018-2019 following factorial randomized block design. Chickpea cultivar PBG 7 recorded significantly highest growth parameters (plant height, dry weight, branches/plant) and yield attributes (pods/plant, grains/pod, 1000-seed weight and grain yield/plant) and yield as compared to the cultivar GPF 2. The lower plant population (2.22 lakh plants/ha) resulted significant increase in plant height (3.13%), dry weight (22.56%), branches/ plant (25.44%), pods/plant (7.60%), grains/pod (15.62%) over the plant population of 3.33 lakh plants/ha, but considerably higher grain yield (1471 kg/ha) was recorded with 3.33 lakh plants/ha. Higher fertility level (30:60:30 kg NPK/ha) significantly increased growth, yield attributing parameters, grain yield (1476 kg/ha) and net return (INR. 45,036/ha) as compared to low fertility level (20:40:20 kg NPK/ha). Therefore, for obtaining higher yield of chickpea, PBG 7 can be sown at 3.33 lakh plants/ha with 30:60:30 kg NPK/ha under south-eastern Punjab.

Evaluation of technological interventions on the productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through frontline demonstrations in South Eastern Rajasthan

The study was conducted to examine the effects of frontline demonstrations on chickpea using scientific production technology for sustainable productivity and profitability on 40-hectare area covering 80 farmer’s fields in the Kota, Bundi and Baran districts of Rajasthan. The average yield of chickpea in the frontline demonstration plots (IP) using integrated crop management technology was 2219 kg/ha, which was significantly higher than the average yield of 1827 kg/ha in the farmers’ practices (FP). The average chickpea yield was found higher (18.88%) in demonstration plots over farmer practices, with the implementation of improved production technologies. During the three years of study (2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21), the technological index (17.21%), extension gap (392 kg/ha), and average technological gap (461 kg/ ha) were found out. During the years of the study, frontline demonstration plots had the highest average net profit and B:C ratio (INR. 77,357/ha and 3.38), compared to farmer practice (INR. 64,081/ha and 3.24). Economic studies over one or three years showed that adopting improved package generated higher profits than traditional farmers practice.

Evaluation of yield-based selection indices for drought tolerance involving recombinant inbred line population derived from a chickpea cultivar (C. arietinum L.) and its wild relative (C. reticulatum)

AbstractDrought is a major abiotic stress worldwide limiting chickpea yield drastically. Low heritability and high genotype × environment interactions make the trait-based breeding strategy an unreliable approach. This study was planned to identify the drought-tolerant lines by evaluating yield-based selection indices in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an inter-specific cross between drought-tolerant genotype GPF 2 (Cicer arietinum L.) and drought-sensitive accession ILWC 292 (C. reticulatum) at two locations in India (Ludhiana and Faridkot). A total of six yield-based selection indices were calculated and significant variation was observed in the RILs and their parents for yield-based selection indices at both locations. A holistic approach across association analysis and principal component analysis identified drought tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity and harmonic mean productivity as key selection indices, which could be used for indirect selection of drought-tolerant lines. Overall, on the basis of these approaches, a total of 15 promising RILs were identified for their use in chickpea breeding programme for developing drought-tolerant cultivars.

Effect of Legume-Legume Replacement Series of Intercropping System on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chickpea

Chickpea is major pulse crop cultivated in India. Area under chickpea cultivation has been increasing day by day. Although area of chickpea is increasing still the productivity per unit area is not increasing. There are many factor responsible for lack of productivity including crop failure. Therefore, increasing productivity and for avoiding the risk associated with complete crop failure, intercropping is the way forward. Intercropping of legume in association with non-legumes helps in utilization of nitrogen being fixed by legumes in the current growing season, but also helps in residual build-up of nutrients in soil. Best utilization of nutrients, moisture, space and solar energy can be derived through intercropping system. Intercropping provides an insurance against calamities and helps in the maximization of productivity and profit by efficient utilization of natural resources. Hence, crop intensification is both in space and time dimensions. Selection of compatible genotype and appropriate planting pattern helps in minimizing the inter-specific and intra-specific competition for resources thereby boosting up the productivity of the system as a whole. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat during two consecutive rabi season of the year 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of nine treatment. viz.; T1: sole chickpea, T2: sole linseed, T3: sole fenugreek, T4: (chickpea + linseed 2:1), T5: (chickpea + linseed 3:1), T6: (chickpea + linseed 4:2), T7: (chickpea + fenugreek 2:1), T8: (chickpea + fenugreek 3:1) and T9: (chickpea + fenugreek 4:2) with four replication. Legume intercropping resulted in better growth due to complimentary actions of the both the crop. The total equivalent yield obtained from intercropping far surpasses the yield of the sole crop in unit area.