Diverse Chickpea Research Articles

Identification of Highly Polymorphic Molecular Markers and Potential Genotypes for Harnessing Chickpea Breeding Strategies

Background: STMS markers and morphological traits were used to investigate the genetic relationship and allelic diversity in chickpea. In this study, we focused on the selection and more efficient utilization of core germplasm in breeding programs for chickpea crop improvement using STMS and quantitative / morphological traits. Methods: Seeds of elite accessions of chickpea were obtained from ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. 50 STMS markers and 11 quantitative traits were used for exploring the genetic variability and relationship in 35 chickpea accessions. Result: A total of 97 alleles were produced out of the 32 polymorphic STMS loci with an average of 3.03 alleles per locus ranging between 2-6 alleles per primer. The PIC value ranged from 0.029 to 0.768 with an average of 0.502. PIC value showed a highly positive correlation (r = 0.718) with number of alleles at the STMS loci. In both molecular and morphological markers / traits-based clustering, out of 35 chickpea accessions only one accession ICC-13892 was isolated at the end of clustering. The results indicated that highly polymorphic microsatellite markers NCPGR 68, NCPGR 50, NCPGR 81, NCPGR 48 and NCPGR 77 along with the accessions ICC-13892 having distant associations with ICC-13816, ICC-15697, ICC-15610, ICC-15868, ICC-15888, ICC-15996 with novel findings should be useful resources for strategies of allele mining, association genetics, mapping and cloning of gene(s) and in applied breeding to broaden the genetic base of chickpea.

Growth with Some Biochemical Responses in Two Cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. to Fly Ash Amended Soil

Background: According to the United Nations “the world population prospects 2019” report, the population of the world is expected to increase currently from 7.7 billion to 9.7 billion in 2050. This rapid growth in the population will adversely put incredible stress on our climate, food and health. As we are already running out of natural resources, it is high time to rethink our policies. Sustainable development is the need of an hour. Some policy decisions are required to overcome such expected challenges. To maintain the balance between the demand and supply there should be a prearranged, preplanned mechanism to be adopted for the sustainable growth and development of the production-cum-consumption system at a global level. In this paper, we will try to experimentally demonstrate how the growth of some legume crops is helpful to us we will also scientifically prove the utility of environmental pollutant fly-ash as an alternative fertilizer. Methods: An experiment was conducted during the month of October to February (2018-2019) at the C.C.S. University Campus, Meerut. Different amounts of fly ash of 20, 40, 60 gm/m2 and two diverse chickpea genotype JG-11 and JG-14 were taken as experimental material. Result: Fly ash in a sufficient amount increases the availability of macro- and micro-nutrient of the soil which is beneficial to plant growth and development. Fly ash significantly improved the physio-chemical properties of soil such as pH, CEC, BD, PD and also improves chickpea growth and yield. Fly ash found safe for agriculture applications in 20-40 gm/m2 range in the context of fertilizer.

Genetic Diversity Assessment in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Agro-morphological and ISSR Molecular Markers

Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), commonly known as gram or Bengal gram, is a self-pollinated diploid plant (2n= 2x= 16) ranked third after common bean and field pea. Genetic diversity assessment is the fundamental of any breeding programme, conservation of genetic resources and as a general guide for the choice of parents in hybrid breeding. The present investigation aimed to study the genetic diversity among 45 elite chickpea genotypes using agro-morphological traits and ISSR molecular markers.Methods: The experimental material comprised of 45 elite chickpea genotypes, grown in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications under natural field conditions at Research Farm of Pulses Section, CCSHAU, Hisar during Rabi 2014-15. Genetic divergence was studied using 11 agro-morphological traits by Non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis and 25 ISSR primers using UPGMA based method.Result: Genetic divergence study based on agro-morphological traits and molecular markers showed ample amount of genetic variation among elite chickpea genotypes which were discussed and compared their diversity analysis as well. The present study confirmed the importance of agro-morphological traits and ISSR markers for detecting tremendous amount of genetic diversity in chickpea which may be used to select good parental material in chickpea breeding programmes for further improvement.

Screening for Phosphorus (P) Acquisition Efficient Genotypes and Identification of Sequence Variations among P-Efficient and Inefficient Genotypes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Low phosphorus (P) availability is the major abiotic constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivation across the globe as well as in India. Present study contemplated to identify high P-acquisition efficient chickpea genotypes suitable for P-deficient regions and sequence variation was detected among the tested P-acquisition efficient and inefficient genotypes. Initial screening was conducted with 104 diverse chickpea genotypes at two locations characterized by P-sufficient and deficient conditions. A panel of 14 chickpea genotypes having contrasting P-acquisition efficiency was extracted for further assessment under P-sufficient and deficient conditions. Along with the significant genetic variations, the P-efficient chickpea genotypes had high P-acquisition efficiency than P-inefficient genotypes in both the conditions. P-acquisition efficient genotypes recorded high biomass and good yield potential in P-deficient condition in comparison to P-inefficient genotypes. Sequence analysis of the CaSPX3 domain containing protein gene from P-acquisition efficient and inefficient genotypes identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5¢ - untranslated region. Present findings might be of great importance in future marker-assisted breeding in chickpea especially for P-deficient soil.

On-farm demonstration of insecticide for the control of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) on chickpea in Bale zone, Ethiopia

Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is the world’s second most important grain legumes after common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) among food legumes grown for production worldwide. Ethiopia is considered as a secondary center of genetic diversity for chickpea. Field experiment was conducted at two districts with the objectives to demonstrate different insecticide for the control of pod borer on chick pea and to give awareness on the use and effectiveness of the insecticide against pod borer on chickpea. The experiment was conducted using one chick pea varieties; Habru (more preferred) and two insecticide Diazenon (1.2l/ha) and Karate (400 ml/ha). The result revealed that both insecticides are effective against pod borer even if they have slight percent larval reductions at both districts. The pod borer damage reduction by different treatments ranged from 71.87 % to 90.63 % and 58.33 % to 66.66 % compared to that in control at Ginir and Goro, respectively. Diazenon resulted maximum seed yield 2610 kg/ha and 2200 kg/ha at Ginir and Goro, respectively. The plot sprayed with Diazenon gave the maximum net return birr 75,348/ha and 61,120/ha at Ginir and Goro, respectively. It is recommended that these insecticides are suggested to the growers for management of the pod borer population below economic threshold level under field conditions.

Application of DNA markers in determination of fusarium resistance and genetic diversity in chickpea

Genetic diversity and fusarium resistance of 50 cultivated chickpea genotypes was studied using ISSR and RAPD markers. The results of both marker systems were consistent with each other, but was somewhat higher for RAPDs. A total of 48 fragments were obtained with both markers together, 32.7% of which were polymorphic. Molecular characterisation through ISSR and RAPD data indicated low genetic variation (GDI=0.39; PIC=0.21) among local and introduced chickpea accessions. The genetic distance values ranged from 0 to 0.134, with a mean of 0.05. The low genetic diversity indicated that new genotypes must be introduced to increase the variability of chickpea germplasm in Azerbaijan. As a result of screening for resistance to fusarium most of genotypes were found to have 600 bp fragment of OPJ20 linked with Foc01 resistance gene, while none of them had resistance gene to Foc4. The results could provide information for future chickpea breeding activities and conservation.

Evaluation of genetic diversity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for yield and yield components by multivariate technique

The present investigation was carried out with 80 diverse genotypes of chickpea at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, U.P. Observations were recorded on various characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant. Analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of variability for all ten characters. It indicates the wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. Mahalanobis (D2) static revealed considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Cluster VIII have maximum 20 genotypes. The maximum intra cluster distance exhibited for cluster III and lowest intra cluster distance was recorded for cluster II. The maximum intra cluster distance was because of wide genetic diversity among its genotypes. The chance of developing good segregates by crossing the genotypes of the same cluster showing low value for intra cluster distance are very low. The maximum inter cluster distance was revealed between cluster III and V. The clearly indicates that the genotypes included in this cluster are having broad spectrum of genetic diversity and could very well be used in hybridization programme of chickpea for improving seed yield. The minimum inter cluster distance was revealed between clusters I and VII. The cluster VI showed best performance for high mean values for primary branches per plant, pods per plant, seed yield per plant biological yield per plant harvest index and seed yield per plant. The cluster V showed best performance for early flowering, early maturity and number of seeds per pod. The cluster IV and VII were found to exhibit high cluster mean values for 1000 seed weight and plant height respectively.

On Farm Demonstration and Evaluation of Synthetic Insecticides for the Control of Pod Borer (<i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> Hubner) on Chickpea in Bale Zone

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the world’s second most important grain legumes after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) among food legumes grown for production worldwide. Ethiopia is considered as secondary center of genetic diversity for chickpea. Field experiment was conducted at two districts with the objectives to demonstrate different insecticide for the control of pod borer on chickpea and to give awareness on the use and effectiveness of the insecticide against pod borer on chick pea. The experiment was conducted using one chickpea variety; Habru (more preferred) and two insecticide Diazenon (1.2l/ha) and Karate (400ml/ha). The result revealed that both insecticides were effective against pod borer even if they have slight difference on percent larval reductions at both districts. The pod borer damage reduction by different treatments ranged from 71.87% to 90.63% and 58.33% to 66.66% compared to that in control at Ginir and Goro, respectively. Diazenon resulted maximum seed yield 2610kg/ha and 2200kg/ha at Ginir and Goro, respectively. The plot sprayed with Diazenon gave the maximum net return birr 75,348/ha and 61,120/ha at Ginir and Goro, respectively. It is recommended that these insecticides are suggested to the growers for the management of pod borer population below economic threshold level under field conditions.

Temperature Induction Response (TIR) - A novel physiological approach for thermotolerant genotypes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

<span>Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. It is known that chickpea thrives well under drought prone condition. However, heat stress during reproductive development can cause significant yield loss and there is a greater variability for yield performance of chickpea under heat stress. It is extremely important to develop screening tools for identification of thermotolerant chickpea genotypes in view of increase in average global temperatures. In this context, a lab experiment was conducted to standardize the temperature induction response (TIR) protocol for chickpea seedlings using WGC-450 programmable plant growth chamber. Temperatures were standardized as sub lethal i.e. challenging temperatures as 38-480C (for 4 hours &30 min) and lethal temperatures as 500C (for 3 hours). This technique can be used as a potential tool to identify and select temperature tolerant lines at the seedling stage from a large population. A set of diverse chickpea germplasm comprising of 57 genotypes were screened for intrinsic tolerance using the standardized Thermo Induced Response (TIR) protocol. Among the genotypes NBeG-528,NBeG-458,NBeG-511,NBeG-177,NBeG-747,NBeG-732 and VIHAR showed highest thermo tolerance in terms of higher seedling survival with no reduction in root and shoot growth. The genotypes with intrinsic heat tolerance can be explored for the development of varieties suitable for late sown conditions in Andhra Pradesh where chickpea is prone to terminal heat stress.</span>

Unlocking Genetic Diversity in Selected Chickpea Genotypes Using Morphological and Molecular Markers

Proficiency and organization of the genetic variability in cultivated and wild relatives are pivotal for a particular crop improvement program. In the present scenario there has been noteworthy improvement in the development of novel genetic tools such as DNA or molecular markers and genetic maps profiling techniques. In this study, seven chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes including some cultivars were considered (Collection Id of the seven genotypes are TZCP-1, TZCP-2, TZCP-3, TZCP-4, TZCP-5, TZCP-6 and TZCP-7). The experiment was conducted out in Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications. All the quantitative characters were collected for assessing the diversity and to find key characters in chickpea cultivars. The statistical analysis was done for all the quantitative character (viz. plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed length, seed width, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% maturity and grain yield). Analysis of variance divulged significant differences among the genotypes for all the 10 characters. An extensive range of diversity was displayed by most of the characters under study. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (1.23% - 33.71%) in the present study was slightly wider than genotypic coefficient of variation (1.13% - 33.02%) suggesting that environmental factors have high contribution to the observed variation among chickpea accessions. The first four PC axes from the principal component analysis accounted for 91.63% of the multivariate variation among entries indicating a moderate degree of correlation among characters for these entries. The genotypic data generated through RAPD profiling of seven chickpea genotypes were used to study genetic diversity or interrelationship. The pair wise Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.47 (TZCP-3 and TZCP-5) to 0.87 (TZCP-2 and TZCP-4). Finally, this research work helped with the analysis of genetic diversity in chickpea by using different approaches such as morphological and molecular marker system.

Zn-use efficiency for optimization of symbiotic nitrogenfixation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Zn deficiency is widespread in traditional areas of chickpea cultivation worldwide. It limits chickpea productivity and causes significant losses to the economies of the world?s largest chickpea exporters. This review may be of interest to researchers who would like to contribute to the improvement of chickpea cultivation on Zn-depleted soils in an environmentally sustainable manner, namely via identification of genotypes with superior symbiotic performance under Zn-limited conditions. The primary aim of the current work is to familiarize the readers with the biology and symbiotic characteristics of chickpea, and also to provide the necessary background on Zn as an essential nutrient for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Special attention has been paid to the choice of rhizobial strains compatible with chickpea. Strains that can serve as an inoculum for simultaneous analysis of many genetically diverse chickpea lines have been suggested. The genotypes listed in this work can be good starting material for identification of chickpea lineages useful for unraveling the molecular basis of Zn-use efficiency, SNF efficiency, or both.

Identification and Expression Analysis of Candidate Genes Involved in Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Chickpea Seeds.

Plant carotenoids have a key role in preventing various diseases in human because of their antioxidant and provitamin A properties. Chickpea is a good source of carotenoid among legumes and its diverse germplasm and genome accessibility makes it a good model for carotenogenesis studies. The structure, location, and copy numbers of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis were retrieved from the chickpea genome. The majority of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) within these genes across five diverse chickpea cultivars was synonymous mutation. We examined the expression of the carotenogenesis genes and their association with carotenoid concentration at different seed development stages of five chickpea cultivars. Total carotenoid concentration ranged from 22 μg g−1 in yellow cotyledon kabuli to 44 μg g−1 in green cotyledon desi at 32 days post anthesis (DPA). The majority of carotenoids in chickpea seeds consists of lutein and zeaxanthin. The expression of the selected 19 genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis pathway showed common pattern across five cultivars with higher expression at 8 and/or 16 DPA then dropped considerably at 24 and 32 DPA. Almost all genes were up-regulated in CDC Jade cultivar. Correlation analysis between gene expression and carotenoid concentration showed that the genes involved in the primary step of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway including carotenoid desaturase and isomerase positively correlated with various carotenoid components in chickpea seeds. A negative correlation was found between hydroxylation activity and provitamin A concentration in the seeds. The highest provitamin A concentration including β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were found in green cotyledon chickpea cultivars.

Recent breeding programs enhanced genetic diversity in both desi and kabuli varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

In order to understand the impact of breeding on genetic diversity and gain insights into temporal trends in diversity in chickpea, a set of 100 chickpea varieties released in 14 countries between 1948 and 2012 were re-sequenced. For analysis, the re-sequencing data for 29 varieties available from an earlier study was also included. Copy number variations and presence absence variations identified in the present study have potential to drive phenotypic variations for trait improvement. Re-sequencing of a large number of varieties has provided opportunities to inspect the genetic and genomic changes reflecting the history of breeding, which we consider as breeding signatures and the selected loci may provide targets for crop improvement. Our study also reports enhanced diversity in both desi and kabuli varieties as a result of recent chickpea breeding efforts. The current study will aid the explicit efforts to breed for local adaptation in the context of anticipated climate changes.

Screening chickpea for adaptation to water stress: Associations between yield and crop growth rate

Abstract Robust associations between yield and crop growth rate in a species-specific critical developmental window have been demonstrated in many crops. In this study we focus on genotype-driven variation in crop growth rate and its association with chickpea yield under drought. We measured crop growth rate using Normalised Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) in 20 diverse chickpea lines, after calibration of NDVI against biomass accounting for morphological differences between Kabuli and Desi types. Crops were grown in eight environments resulting from the combination of seasons, sowing dates and water supply, returning a yield range from 152 to 366 g m −2 . For both sources of variation – environment and genotype – yield correlated with crop growth rate in the window 300 °Cd before flowering to 200 °Cd after flowering. In the range of crop growth rate from 0.07 to 0.91 g m −2 °Cd −1 , the relationship was linear with zero intercept, as with other indeterminate grain legumes. Genotype-driven associations between yield and crop growth rate were stronger under water stress than under favourable conditions. Despite this general trend, lines were identified with high crop growth rate in both favourable and stress conditions. We demonstrate that calibrated NDVI is a rapid, inexpensive screening tool to capture a physiologically meaningful link between yield and crop growth rate in chickpea.

English

Chickpea wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Padwick) is a devastating disease. The best way to control chickpea wilt disease is to find resistant varieties/lines among available germplasm. Accordingly, three hundred and eighteen diverse chickpea genotypes were evaluated within sick plot conditions for disease severity against natural inoculum. The experiment was planted in an augmented design during two year investigating seasons. Disease severity was scored with a disease rating scale and area under disease progressive curve was recorded. A total of just three lines/varieties 5006, k021-10 and k035-10 were possessing high resistance in both investigation seasons. Among six biological control agents evaluated against pathogen in-vitro by dual culture test showed that Pseudomonas fluorescens had more mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen (Foc) i.e., 70.94 % over control. Trichoderma harzianum was proved to be second best followed by Rhizobia spp. and Bacillus subtilis with 63.95%, 60.79% and 57.68% growth reduction, respectively. In glass house assay, P. fluorescens was proved to be most effective, showed high disease reduction percentage with mean 76.78 over inoculated control. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Estimation of genetic parameters and character associations for yield and quality traits in chickpea

Twenty genetically diverse chickpea genotypes were grown in a randomized block design experiment with three replications during two years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Data on individual plants were recorded on days to 50% flowering, seed yield, protein content (%), volume of seed (ml), density of seed, hydration capacity, swelling capacity, cooking time (min) and swelling index (%).The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters showing enough variability among the genotypes. Further, the estimates of heritability were high for all the traits except days to 50% flowering in both the years. Swelling index, volume of seed, cooking time and seed yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated that these characters are under additive genetic control and simple selection will be effective for their improvement. None of the quality traits showed any association with seed yield, however, quality traits showed certain positive/negative associations among selves e.g. volume of seed showed significant and positive association with hydration capacity and swelling capacity; swelling capacity with hydration capacity in both the years. Further, density of seed showed significant and negative association with volume of seed and hydration capacity during both the years.

Studies on genetic diversity in chickpea utilizing morphological and total seed protein markers

Genetic diversity among seventeen chickpea varieties was investigated utilizing agro morphological traits and total seed protein markers. Morphological markers grouped all the desi genotypes (9) except ICCV 10 under Cluster I, whereas kabuli genotypes (7) were grouped in three clusters. Dendogram developed based on total seed protein profile revealed that the seventeen genotypes could be grouped into two clusters broadly at a distance of 25. Similarity index between all possible pairs of seventeen genotypes showed a range of 0.074 (Vishal and ICCV-10) to 0.579 (JAKI-9218 and ICCC 37). The correspondence between different methods might be improved by analyzing more morphological characters, storage proteins and DNA markers.

Molecular Diversity Assessment in Chickpea through RAPD and ISSR Markers

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a cool season food legume in the family of Fabaceae. The exploration of genetically variable accessions is the key source of germplasm conservation for future selecting parents for breeding. PCR based analysis employing RAPD and ISSR marker are one of the established techniques of estimation of genetic diversity. Twelve chickpea accessions were analyzed by ten RAPD and ISSR primers of which all primers gave amplification products. The results showed that the level of DNA polymorphism in these accessions is low. RAPD analysis yielded 5.9 bands per primer while ISSR analysis produce 2.8 bands per primer. The average percentage of molecular polymorphism as produced by RAPD and ISSR primers was 67%. The cluster dendrogram demonstrated a similarity coefficient range of 0.10 to 0.66 due to RAPD markers, whereas ISSR markers showed 0.60 to 0.80. The variability index worked out in the present study ranges from 0.49 to 0.78. The present study determines DNA polymorphism in chickpea accessions as revealed by RAPD and ISSR markers. Overall the study ascertained that RAPD and ISSR marker provide powerful tools in revealing genetic diversity in chickpea.

Identification of agronomic traits to enhance biomass and grain yield of chickpea under rainfed short-duration environment

Low biomass yield is considered to be a major limiting factor of chickpea productivity in semi-arid short duration environments of Peninsular India. Correlation and path coefficient analyses performed on grain yield and 14 other agronomic traits of 25 diverse chickpea genotypes to assess direct and indirect contribution of each trait to grain yield and formulate an effective selection criteria to improve biomass and grain yield of chickpea under residual soil moisture condition. Results have shown that biomass had the largest positive direct effect on grain yield and selection of tall types with more number of secondary branches/plant and seeds/plant and seeds of large size would be highly rewarding in simultaneously increasing biomass and grain yield of chickpea. JG 11, BGD 103, BGD 121 and BGD 72 are some of the high biomass and grain yield producing genotypes adapted to rainfed conditions of short duration environments.

Flowering response of diverse chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) accessions to photoperiod

Knowledge of the time required for the initiation of flowering is important for chickpea adaptation in environments like western Canada, not only because flowering is a vulnerable stage of development but also it is a major factor affecting variation in crop duration. Temperature and photoperiod are the major environmental factors that determine time to flowering in many major crops. One hundred diverse chickpea accessions were examined under long-day (16/8 H day and night, respectively) and short day (10/14 H day and night, respectively) photoperiods for their flowering response. The temperature in the chambers was adjusted to 22/16 °C (day and night, respectively). Variability among the accessions for days to flowering, photoperiod sensitivity (defined as the delayed number of days to flowering under short-day photoperiod treatment as compared to long-day photoperiod treatments), and node number of first flowering under short and long-day photoperiods was detected. Four accessions were classified as photoperiod-insensitive, 49 as intermediate response, and 47 as highly photoperiod-sensitive based on their flowering response to photoperiod. A significant (r = 0.92, P ≤ 0.0001) positive correlation was observed between days to flowering under short-days and photoperiod sensitivity. In photoperiod-insensitive accessions fewer degree days were required for flowering as compared to intermediate and highly photoperiod sensitive ones. Under long-day photoperiod, the photo-thermal and thermal units required to initiate flowering accumulate faster. Thus photoperiod-insensitive accessions required fewer accumulated thermal and photo-thermal units.