Chickpea Research Articles

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.

Genetic variability parameters and character association studies among phenological traits, yield traits and quality traits under different dates of planting in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study was conducted during rabi 2020-2021 at RARS, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh to determine relationships among phenological traits, seed yield, yield attributes and quality traits in chickpea under different dates of planting. In the present study, in all three dates of planting, seed yield recorded highly significant and positive association with two phenological traits viz., duration of reproductive phase and duration of flowering. However, these traits were influencing seed yield via other contributing characters like days to first f lowering, duration of vegetative phase, leaf area index, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. Strong correlations have been established between seed size and cooking time especially in kabuli and therefore, special emphasis may be given for improving the seed size with less cooking time in extra-large seeded kabuli chickpea. Further, there is sufficient genetic variability recorded for leaf area index, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height, harvest index, seed yield, 100 seed weight, hydration capacity, swelling capacity, cooking time and iron content in the genotypes and the traits exhibited high heritability and high to moderate genetic advance in all three dates of planting.

Nutritional profile of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L): Breeding efforts for enhancing nutritive value

Chickpea is the dominant rabi pulse crop in India, accounting for 50% (13.5 mt) of the nation’s pulse production. This nutrient-dense and cost-effective legume provides a rich source of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre. Beyond its basic nutritional value, chickpea harbor a diverse array of non-nutritive phytochemicals, including oligosaccharides, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and enzyme inhibitors, holding promising potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti cancer, prebiotic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Recent advancements in genome sequencing have unlocked the chickpea’s complete genetic blueprint and empowered cutting-edge breeding methods like QTL analysis, GWAS, and genomic selection to effectively pinpoint and target beneficial genomic regions governing key nutritional traits. These findings help germplasm enhancement, nutritional enrichment and optimization of bioactive components to meet the food security of nations. This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge regarding chickpea’s nutritional profile, highlighting past breeding achievements and future prospects for enriching its nutritive value.

Evaluation of frontline demonstration of new technology on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Dang district of Gujarat

In majority of the area of Dang district of Gujarat, chickpea is grown under rainfed condition with neither improved varieties nor with recommended practices. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari Agricultural University, Dang has organized 323 numbers of FLDs. This programme is with the objective to demonstrate the improved variety of chickpea (GG 5) for production potential. The demonstrated variety GG 5 performed better in all years compare to farmer’s variety (2018-19 to 2020-21). In the FLDs, the results revealed that seed yield (1102 kg/ha) of improved technology was higher as compared to farmers’ practice (825 kg/ha). Higher gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio were also recorded in FLDs plots as compared to farmer’s practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were calculated as 1398 kg/ha, 227 kg/ha and 55.93 per cent, respectively. Every year, extension gap was lower than technology gap indicating the need to educate farmers in adoption of improved technologies. Thus, it is suggested that location-specific approaches would be needed to bridge the productivity gap of chickpea crop in the region.

Screening of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm accessions for tolerance against post-emergence herbicide imazethapyr

In the present study, 200 chickpea genotypes including accessions from the ICRISAT chickpea core collection, ICAR-IARI advanced breeding lines and varieties were screened against imazethapyr (an Acetolactate Synthase inhibiting broad-spectrum herbicide) to identify the source of resistance to the post-emergence herbicide. Wide genetic variations were observed among chickpea genotypes. A total of eight genotypes, viz. ICC 1710, ICC-14061, GL 14054, IPC 10-134, ICCX 130012-B-B-B-B-25, ICC17255, ICCX110067-B-B-B-B 76-B-B, and ICCX110066-B-B-B-B-59-B-B showed tolerance to imazethapyr; hence, they were considered promising. The application of imazethapyr significantly reduced plant height, and 100 seed weight and increased days to 50% flowering and maturity. Plant biomass under herbicide treatment increased most likely due to an increase in the number of secondary branches. Weed control efficiency was 78.58% when imazethapyr applied at 80 g a.i. per ha at 40 days after sowing. Among the tolerant genotypes, IPC 06-77 and ICC 14061 gave the most consistent positive performance for yield and yield attributes under herbicide treatment. The herbicide-tolerant lines identified can be useful resources for undertaking genetic and physiological studies on herbicide tolerance and for the development of herbicide-tolerant cultivars of chickpea.

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.

Effect of spermidine on reproductive, seed quality and bio-physiological characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes under salt stress

The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of foliar application of spermidine on the physiological and reproductive aspects of chickpea genotypes subjected to salt stress, with a focus on its consequences for seed quality. The study involved treating chickpea genotypes (CSG 8962, HC 3, HC 5, RSG 931) with 4 and 8 dSm−1 Cl− dominate salinity during the seedling stage, and application of 0.5 and 1.0 mM spermidine at the flowering stage. Result revealed that salinity significantly reduced chlorophyll and membrane stability index by approximately 46.97% and 23.19%, respectively. Concurrently, pollen germination and viability decreased about 14.14% and 22.24%, leading to a substantial decline in seed protein content (37.70%) at 8 dSm−1 salinity. While there was an increase in antioxidant activity (45.83%), phenol content decreased in response to salinity stress. Foliar application of spermidine (0.5 and 1.0 mM) proved to be a promising intervention, enhancing chlorophyll stability and phenol content by approximately 24.35% and 36.05%, respectively, at 8 dSm−1 salinity. This improvement is associated with a notable 20.01% increase in pollen viability, resulting in a subsequent rise in protein content by about 20.73% at 1.0 mM spermidine. Additionally, the application of spermidine mitigated Na+ ion accumulation in chickpea seeds. The findings underscore the varying performance of chickpea genotypes under salinity stress, with CSG 8962 and RSG 931 exhibiting poorer outcomes compared to other genotypes. Notably, the positive impact of spermidine was more pronounced, especially with the use of 1.0 mM spermidine, which demonstrated a more significant positive effect in salt-sensitive chickpea genotypes. These results emphasize the potential of spermidine as a strategic tool in alleviating the adverse effects of salinity on chickpea crops, offering valuable insights for the development of sustainable practices to enhance chickpea resilience and seed quality under challenging environmental conditions.

Effects of Rhizobium Strains on Seed Yield and Yield Related Traits of Chickpea (Cicer aritienum L.) Varieties at Ambo, Ethiopia

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a significant legume food crop in West Showa that farmers exploit to generate revenue and sustenance. Nevertheless, two major obstacles to production are the scarcity of high-quality seed and the poor fertility of the soil. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how Rhizobium inoculation affected yield, growth, and its constituent parts. Four Rhizobium strains (Cp11, Cp17, Cp41, and control) x four varieties (Eshete, Dimtu, Teketay, and Local) organized in factorial combinations were assessed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. All phenology and growth parameters, yield components, seed yield, and productivity indices were significantly influenced by both variety and Rhizobium strain, with the exception of crop phenology and hundred seed weight, which were not significantly influenced by Rhizobium strain. Plant height and the number of pods per plant were significantly impacted by the interaction between the R strain and variety. Four types yielded seed with a range of 2013.89 to 2777.78 kg ha-1, whereas inoculation procedures produced seed with a range of 2152.78 to 2690.97 kg ha-1. The Teketay variety and seeds infected with the Cp17 Rhizobium strain produced the best seed yield. Higher grain yield index per day, Rhizobium sensitive or infection index, yield index, and seed production efficiency were also seen in Teketay variety and seeds infected with Cp17 Rhizobium strain. The largest seed yield was produced by the Teketay variety inoculated with the Cp17 Rhizobium strain, and in most cases, the enhanced varieties' seeds inoculated with the Cp17 strain also produced high yields.

Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Related Attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was carried out with 30 chickpea genotypes to study the genetic variability for yield and yield related traits in chickpea and observed the high significance for all the thirteen characters i.e., germination percentage, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, shoot length, root length, seedling length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, test weight, yield per plant. For the traits number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, yield per plant and seedling length genetic variability showed high estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation with high heritability coupled with genetic advance indicating this these characters exhibited wide variability. The heritability of these traits were due to additive gene effects which makes selection effective. This will help breeders in direct plant selection based on phenotypic expression.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Chickpea Agronomic Practices in the World During 45 Years of Scientific Research

ABSTRACTChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation practices underwent significant transformation in recent decades due to advancements in scientific knowledge and the need for sustainable, productive farming systems. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 1977 to 2023 on chickpea agronomic practices was conducted, revealing critical insights. India, as the world's leading chickpea producer, plays a pivotal role, not only in production but also as a significant contributor to scholarly research and international collaborations. The choice of journals for publication is found to influence research impact.Analysis of research trends using co‐occurrence networks of keywords reveals evolving focuses, with a recent shift towards qualitative aspects, such as protein content and nutritional quality, as well as sustainable agricultural practices. The study also emphasizes the necessity for further research on chickpea quality characteristics, strategies to mitigate antinutritional factors, yield optimization, and the impact of climate change on chickpea cultivation. Ultimately, chickpea cultivation research holds great promise in contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of chickpea cultivation research and offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders as they navigate the future of sustainable agriculture and the quest for protein‐rich food production while minimizing the environmental footprint.

Effect of different levels of seaweed extract and humic acid granules on soil properties and productivity of Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum L.) in Alfisols

Effect of different levels of seaweed extract and humic acid granules on soil properties and productivity of Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum L.) in Alfisols

A simple and highly efficient approach towards the degradation of methylene blue and study the impact of degraded water on seed germination of cicer arietinum

The scarcity of fresh air, drinking water, and soil is a matter of serious concern worldwide owing to the presence of organic pollutants in the environment. The organic dye, such as methylene blue (MB) have enormous toxic effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, the degradation of non-biodegradable dyes is very important to reduce toxicity in water and-a step towards waste water management systems. This paper focuses on the degradation of non-biodegradable MB dye using carbon quantum dots (CQDs). CQDs were synthesized by a microwave irradiation method using citric acid and L-cysteine as precursor and confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectrum, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques. The optical properties of the synthesized CQDs of 2.56 nm, were investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy technique and the absorption peak appeared at 340 nm which corresponding to n → π* transition. In photoluminescence (PL) spectra analysis, the highest emission peak was obtained at 440 nm when excited at 345 nm. The synthesized CQDs were used for the dye degradation of MB in distilled water and degradation percentage was calculated and found to be 99.17% in 90 min under UV light irradiation. Also, studied the impact of degraded water in seed germination of Cicer arietinum (black gramme) and calculated the seed germination growth rate in degraded water was found to be 15%–20% more than the seed germination growth rate in MB containing dye water.

Olfactory Preferences of Sitophilus zeamais to Cereal- and Legume-Based Pasta.

We compared the attractiveness of five commercially available Italian macaroni pastas of different shapes (penne, casarecce, and fusilli) made from cereals and/or legumes [100% Triticum durum; 100% Cicer arietinum; 100% Lens esculenta; 50% Triticum durum + 50% Cicer arietinum; 60% Triticum durum + 40% Lens esculenta] to adults of Sitophilus zeamais (L.). A multiple-choice walking bioassay showed that S. zeamais adults were more attracted to cereal than legume pastas. The modified Flit-Track M2 trap devices baited with pasta made with 100% T. durum captured an average of 61.4% of the adults released into the olfactometric arena after 7 days. Of the insects tested, pasta made with 100% C. arietinum trapped 3.8%, pasta made with 100% L. esculenta trapped 2.7%, pasta made with 50% T. durum + 50% C. arietinum trapped 4.3%, and pasta made with 60% T. durum + 40% L. esculenta trapped 4.2%. When individually compared, 79.6% of S. zeamais adults chose the Triticum durum pasta. Orientation to 100% Cicer pasta or 100% Lens pasta was not observed. In the choice test, only 37% and 25% were attracted to Triticum and Cicer pastas or Triticum and Lens pasta, respectively. Our results confirm that the low attractiveness of legume pasta is mainly due to the lack of attractant stimuli rather than the emission of repellent compounds. From a practical perspective, it is also interesting to note how mixed pasta decreases the risk of S. zeamais infestation.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Biofertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers on Soil Physical and Biological Properties under Chickpea Crop (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study investigated the impact of solid biofertilizers and organic ameliorants on soil biological properties and chickpea yield. The experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of ANDUA&T Ayodhya India during the Rabi season of 2020-2021. The experiment was comprised of eleven treatments, control (T1); (T2); chemical fertilizers 100% RDF; (T3)chemical fertilizers 50% RDF (T4); FYM +Jeevamrit (T5); Agro residue Mulch + FYM + Jeevamrit (T6); Rhizobium +PSB (T7); FYM + Jeevamrit + Rhizobium +PSB (T8); T3 + FYM + Jeevamrit T9; T3 + T5, T10; T3 + T6, T11; T3 + T4 + T6, were replicated thrice in RBD. Chickpea variety KPG-59 was taken as test crop. The results showed that the application of solid biofertilizers and organic ameliorants with chemical fertilizer significantly improved some soil biological properties. The treatments that included FYM and Rhizobium + PSB showed the greatest improvements in soil health as well as chickpea yield. Soil properties as EC, OC and OM were found to be significant while physical property were non-significant.

Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Health during Accelerated Ageing Test in Chickpea [Cicer arietinum (L.)] Seeds

Background: Research was conducted to ascertain the impact of hormonal seed strengthening on seed health status under an accelerated ageing test in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) at the state seed testing laboratory during the Rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20. Four replications of the Blotter test were performed CRD plan. As per continuous evaluation and observation, under accelerated ageing increased pathogens were observed with increased temperature and RH, the seeds treated with salicylic acid resulted with least pathogen infection while compared to other treatments. Methods: The current experiment was conducted in the state seed testing laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, between the years of 2018 and 2020. 37 distinct treatment combinations were employed in the experiment. The seeds were placed in an accelerated ageing condition with high temperature and relative humidity. Hormonal seed strengthening is the activity of infusing PGRs into old seeds to make them fresh again with the help of PGRs (salicylic and giberellic acid) treatments into old seeds and increase the vigour index of seeds. Result: In this experiment chick pea seeds treated with combination of gibberellic acid and salicylic acid resulted in least infection of seed pathogens we can recommend these for maintaining seed health status.

Effects of storage conditions on chemistry and technological properties of different cultivars of Chickpea

The impact of storage conditions, such as 40 °C, high humidities (55% and 65%), and storage (360 days), on the nutritional value, pasting, and functional properties, color differences, and quality of protein and starch in five Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cultivars (Crown, Royal, Sierra, Orion, and Frontier) was determined. The Sierra cultivar had the highest initial moisture content (MC, 7.7 ± 0.01%), and MC increased over time for all samples stored at 55% and 65% RH and 21 °C. Protein (PC), total starch (TSC), and fat (FC) contents changed in all cultivars during storage. Under the same storage conditions (65% RH and 40 °C treatment), the Frontier variety had significantly higher PC at day zero (24.0 ± 0% dwb) and 360 (23.9 ± 0.2% dwb) compared to other cultivars, while no significant differences existed between other cultivars. A general upward trend in the pasting data was observed for all cultivars of the 360-day stored samples. In contrast, the gel firmness of the gels formed during Rapid Visco Analysis (RVA) was lower for the 360-day samples. Emulsion capacity (EC) and Foaming capacity (FC) changed significantly in all samples over time under the effects of different variables. Color analysis revealed reduced yellowness in all samples during storage. Also, lightness values decreased over time, indicating seed darkening during storage. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed the disappearance of major protein bands around 37 and 55 kDa after 360 days, indicating protein aggregation and structural alterations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of amide II structures indicated interactions and differences in the secondary structure of proteins in the samples stored for 360 days. Starch analysis via SEM revealed protein-coated starch granules, indicating protein-starch interactions occurred during storage. Harsh storage conditions (65% RH and 40 °C) significantly affected nutritional quality, functional and pasting properties, and protein chemistry of chickpeas and should be avoided for extended storage.

The comparison expression of Rare cold inducible 2 (RCI2), some enzymatic antioxidant, and proline in two tolerant and sensitive genotypes chickpea under drought stress

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a highly valued crop that its growth and productivity are severely affected by drought stress. At the molecular level, chickpea plants activate genes and signaling pathways involved in drought and salt stress tolerance. One such mechanism involves the expression of rare cold inducible 2 (RCI2) proteins. The aim of this study was to examine the significance of RCI2 expression for drought resistance in chickpea. Hence, seeds of drought-tolerant (MCC877) and sensitive (MCC588) genotypes were evaluated in the three level of drought stress. The results indicated that drought stress reduced significantly total chlorophyll, RWC, and increased electro leakage, MDA, and improved activity of CAT, SOD, and APX. The molecular analysis suggested four RCI2 genes including RCI2A, RCI2B, RCI2B-like, and RCI2F in chickpeas. The comparison between two genotypes of chickpeas, one drought-tolerant and the other sensitive to drought, revealed that the tolerant genotype could enhance the stability of the cell membrane and moderate reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. This is achieved by improving the proline content, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and especially by increasing the expression of RCI2 genes, compared to the sensitive genotypes. The expression RCI2A, RCI2B, RCI2B-like, and RCI2F genes in drought-tolerant genotypes was about 68 %, 48 %, 27 %, and 42 % higher than drought-sensitive after 16 h of severe water limitation. This suggests that the expression of RCI2 genes in chickpeas might enhance the plant's ability to scavenge ROS, thereby conferring tolerance to drought stresses.

Green and Facile Synthesis of Zn3V2O8−Ag@C Composite as an Efficient Electrode for Supercapacitor Application

AbstractThe present study demonstrates the synthesis of ternary composites of zinc vanadate (Zn3V2O8) with silver (Ag) and carbon matrix originated from the Bengal gram bean extract (BGBE) using a facile, economic, and environmentally sustainable rotational chemical bath deposition (R−CBD) method. From the electrochemical studies, it is found that the Zn3V2O8−Ag@C demonstrated improved electrochemical performance with the specific capacitance (Csp) of 380.1 F g−1, energy density (ED) of 52.7 Wh kg−1, with power density (PD) of 882.3 W kg−1 at 3 mA cm−2 current density and good capacitive retention of 89.8 % over 3000 charge–discharge (GCD) cycles, which is remarkably higher than the other electrode materials (Zn3V2O8, Zn3V2O8−Ag, Zn3V2O8@C). The combined merits of conductive silver (Ag) nanoparticle and carbonaceous material from BGBE assist in enhancing the overall electrochemical performance of Zn3V2O8−Ag@C. The Zn3V2O8−Ag@C nanocomposite was used as electrode material for the fabrication of a flexible symmetric solid–state supercapacitor device (SSC). The SSC device delivered a Csp of 69.17 F g−1 with an energy density (ED) of 13.8 Wh kg−1 at a 2 mA cm−2 current density. Moreover, the SSC shows a 90 % capacitive retention over the continuous GCD cycles.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae reduced arsenic induced oxidative stress by coordinating nutrient uptake and proline-glutathione levels in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea).

Accumulation of Arsenic (As) generates oxidative stress by reducing nutrients availability in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis can impart metalloid tolerance in plants by enhancing the synthesis of sulfur (S)-rich peptides (glutathione- GSH) and low-molecular-weight nitrogenous (N) osmolytes (proline- Pro). The present study, therefore investigated the efficiency of 3 AM fungal species (Rhizoglomus intraradices-Ri, Funneliformis mosseae -Fm and Claroideoglomus claroideum- Cc) in imparting As (arsenate-AsV -40 at 60 mg kg-1 and arsenite- AsIII at 5 and 10 mg kg-1) tolerance in two Cicer arietinum (chickpea) genotypes (HC 3 and C 235). As induced significantly higher negative impacts in roots than shoots, which was in accordance with proportionately higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the former, with AsIII more toxic than AsV. Mycorrhizal symbiosis overcame oxidative stress by providing the host plants with necessary nutrients (P, N, and S) through enhanced microbial enzyme activities (MEAs) in soil, which increased the synthesis of Pro and GSH and established a redox balance in the two genotypes. This coordination between nutrient status, Pro-GSH levels, and antioxidant defense was stronger in HC 3 than C 235 due to its higher responsiveness to the three AM species. However, Ri was most beneficial in inducing redox homeostasis, followed by Fm and Cc, since the Cicer arietinum-Ri combination displayed the maximum ability to boost antioxidant defense mechanisms and establish a coordination with Pro synthesis. Thus, the results highlighted the importance of selecting specific chickpea genotypes having an ability to establish effective mycorrhizal symbiosis for imparting As stress tolerance.

Genotypic Variation Studies in Biomass Partitioning Patterns during Post-flowering Stages under the Late Sown Conditions of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm

This study conducted during the 2021-2022 year under field conditions investigates the genotypic variation in biomass partitioning among different chickpea genotypes during post-flowering stages, with a specific emphasis on late sown conditions. The main aim of the study was to elucidate the efficiency of resource allocation toward pod production, measured by the pod harvest index. This research enhances understanding of chickpea performance under delayed sowing conditions by examining genotypic variations in key parameters during critical post-flowering stages, specifically pod filling and seed filling. Biomass partitioning in branches and pods varied considerably during both growth stages, with branches playing a crucial role in pod development during pod filling. The transition from pod filling to seed filling stage resulted in increased biomass partitioning in pods, highlighting their importance as storage organs for seed development. Seed yield exhibited significant variability among genotypes, with some surpassing 2000 kg/ha, while pod harvest index ranged from 35.62% to 70.48%, indicating differences in resource allocation efficiency. Regression analysis showed varying degrees of association between biomass partitioning and pod harvest index, with seed yield and pod harvest index, biomass partitioning in pods exhibiting the highest explanatory power during seed filling. By studying the adaptation of plants towards biphasic and allometric allocation patterns during unfavorable conditions can result in developing the resource use efficient climate resilient varieties. These findings contribute to our understanding of crop productivity under varying environmental conditions and inform strategies for optimizing chickpea yield and resilience.