Chickpea Genotypes Research Articles

Comparison of different screening methods for the selection of Ascochyta blight disease on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important edible food grain legume, widely grown all over the world. However, the cultivation and production of chickpea are mainly affected by the Ascochyta blight (AB) disease, which causes losses of up to 100% in areas with high humidity and warm temperature conditions. Various screening methods are used in the selection of chickpea genotypes for resistance to AB disease. These methods are natural field condition (NFC), artificial epidemic field condition (AEC), marker-assisted selection (MAS), and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The study was conducted with 88 chickpea test genotypes between the 2014 and 2016 growing seasons. The results of the screening were used to sort the genotypes into three categories: susceptible (S), moderately resistant (MR), and resistant (R). Using MAS screening, 13, 21, and 54 chickpea genotypes were identified as S, MR, and R, respectively. For RT-PCR screening, 39 genotypes were S, 31 genotypes were MR, and 18 genotypes were R. In the AEC method for NFC screening, 7, 17, and 64 genotypes were S, MR, and R, while 74 and 6 genotypes were S and MR, and 8 genotypes were R-AB disease. As a result of screening chickpea genotypes for AB disease, it was determined that the most effective method was artificial inoculation (AEC) under field conditions. In the study, Azkan, ICC3996, Tüb-19, and Tüb-82 were determined as resistant within all methods for Pathotype 1.

Unraveling the genetics of heat tolerance in chickpea landraces (Cicer arietinum L.) using genome-wide association studies.

Chickpea, being an important grain legume crop, is often confronted with the adverse effects of high temperatures at the reproductive stage of crop growth, drastically affecting yield and overall productivity. The current study deals with an extensive evaluation of chickpea genotypes, focusing on the traits associated with yield and their response to heat stress. Notably, we observed significant variations for these traits under both normal and high-temperature conditions, forming a robust basis for genetic research and breeding initiatives. Furthermore, the study revealed that yield-related traits exhibited high heritability, suggesting their potential suitability for marker-assisted selection. We carried out single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method for a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Overall, 27 marker-trait associations (MTAs) linked to yield-related traits, among which we identified five common MTAs displaying pleiotropic effects after applying a stringent Bonferroni-corrected p-value threshold of <0.05 [-log10(p) > 4.95] using the BLINK (Bayesian-information and linkage-disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway) model. Through an in-depth in silico analysis of these markers against the CDC Frontier v1 reference genome, we discovered that the majority of the SNPs were located at or in proximity to gene-coding regions. We further explored candidate genes situated near these MTAs, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms governing heat stress tolerance and yield enhancement in chickpeas such as indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase GH3.1 with GH3 auxin-responsive promoter and pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein, etc. The harvest index (HI) trait was associated with marker Ca3:37444451 encoding aspartic proteinase ortholog sequence of Oryza sativa subsp. japonica and Medicago truncatula, which is known for contributing to heat stress tolerance. These identified MTAs and associated candidate genes may serve as valuable assets for breeding programs dedicated to tailoring chickpea varieties resilient to heat stress and climate change.

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Seed Yield in Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Irrigated Condition

Background: Chickpea is mainly grown on marginal lands and encounter the problem of erratic rainfall that causes lack of water availability especially at terminal growth stages. Exploration of yield stability and defining the adaptation domains of advance genotypes in different ecosystem is highly imperative for crop genetic improvement programs. Development of variety with high yield potential and stable under irrigated condition is one of the major objectives of chickpea improvement programme, which can be achieved by improving selection efficiency with estimating stability parameters. Ten chickpea genotypes as advance breeding lines and popular varieties were evaluated to assess seed yield stability under irrigated condition during rabi 2021-22. Methods: Experiments were conducted in randomized block design with three replications at five different locations of Karnataka i.e. Bidar, Kalaburagi, Bheemarayanagudi, Raichur and Hagari. The interaction analysis (AMMI ANOVA) indicates large variations for seed yield due to highly significant (p less than 0.01) environment (65.42%) and significant (p less than 0.05) genotype (10.03%), thus the genotypes were diverse with large sum of squares for seed yield and environment. Result: The differential response of chickpea genotypes for seed yield across the environments was observed. IPCA1 and IPCA2 together captured 12.97 per cent of the interaction mean squares RG-2016-134 and KCD-2019-05 showed higher mean yields and adaptable to favourable environments. Based on AMMI bi-plot analysis, genotypes (KCD-2019-05 and Super Annigeri-1) were stable and (DC-17-1111 and RG-2016-134) were unstable. Similarly, best performer genotypes and three mega environments were noticed through the analysis. Three environments i.e., (Bidar, Kalaburagi and Raichur) were found with most selective for seed yield estimation. The genotypes (RGV-203, KCD-2019-02 and Super Annigeri-1) were the best among all the ten tested genotypes in terms of seed yield stability.

Determination of the Effects of Different EMS Doses Applied to Seeds of Chickpea and Lentil Varieties on Some Seedling Characteristics

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of 11 different doses of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) applied to the seed to create variation in the M1 generation of chickpea (Gökçe) and lentil (Şakar) genotypes during germination and seedling development periods and to determine the lethal dose that caused a 50% reduction in plant emergence rate. The research was conducted under the greenhouse and laboratory conditions of the Faculty of Agriculture of Dicle University in 2019/2020. The study was conducted according to a randomized block design with three replicates. For the M1 generation, seeds of each genotype in the elite stage were treated with EMS solution at 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 40, 50, 60, 60, 70, 70, 80, 90, and 100 mM (1000 seeds for each dose) and then sown in the greenhouse. A total of 132 tubes were sown with 30 seeds for each dose, and the effective EMS dose was determined for each genotype based on the traits examined in the developing seedlings. In the study, it was concluded that 11 different EMS doses applied to the seeds of chickpea and lentil varieties had negative effects on seedling development in the M1 generation, and increasing EMS doses from the control caused a decrease in all traits examined. With increasing EMS doses, plant emergence was observed in both chickpea and lentil up to 60 mM dose, while no germination was observed at 60 mM dose, and the dose rate varied according to species and varieties. The dose that caused a 50% decrease in the plant emergence rate in Gökçe chickpea and Şakar lentil varieties was determined as the LD50 dose. Accordingly, it was determined that the LD50 dose was 30 mM for Gökçe chickpea variety and 60 mM for Şakar lentil variety.

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.

Evaluation of different Kabuli chickpea genotypes against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.

The chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a significant insect pest of chickpea crops, causing substantial global losses. Field experiments were conducted in Central Punjab, Pakistan, to investigate the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on pod borer population dynamics and infestation in nine kabuli chickpea genotypes during two cropping seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The crops were sown in November in both years, with row-to-row and plant-to-plant distances of 30 and 15 cm, respectively, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed a significant difference among the tested genotypes in trichome density, pod wall thickness, and leaf chlorophyll contents. Significantly lower larval population (0.85 and 1.10 larvae per plant) and percent damage (10.65% and 14.25%) were observed in genotype Noor-2019 during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively. Pod trichome density, pod wall thickness, and chlorophyll content of leaves also showed significant variation among the tested genotypes. Pod trichome density and pod wall thickness correlated negatively with larval infestation, while chlorophyll content in leaves showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the larval population positively correlated with minimum and maximum temperatures, while relative humidity negatively correlated with the larval population. Study results explore natural enemies as potential biological control agents and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Greater ecophysiological stress tolerance in the core environment than in extreme environments of wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum)

Global climate change and land use change underlie a need to develop new crop breeding strategies, and crop wild relatives (CWR) have become an important potential source of new genetic material to improve breeding efforts. Many recent approaches assume adaptive trait variation increases towards the relative environmental extremes of a species range, potentially missing valuable trait variation in more moderate or typical climates. Here, we leveraged distinct genotypes of wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum) that differ in their relative climates from moderate to more extreme and perform targeted assessments of drought and heat tolerance. We found significance variation in ecophysiological function and stress tolerance between genotypes but contrary to expectations and current paradigms, it was individuals from more moderate climates that exhibited greater capacity for stress tolerance than individuals from warmer and drier climates. These results indicate that wild germplasm collection efforts to identify adaptive variation should include the full range of environmental conditions and habitats instead of only environmental extremes, and that doing so may significantly enhance the success of breeding programs broadly.

Identification of photothermo-insensitive with climate-smart early-maturing chickpea genotypes

AbstractChickpea is a cool season, photothermal-sensitive crop, that is adversely affected by high temperatures (&gt;35°C) and whose flowering is promoted by long-day conditions (&gt;12 h). This prevents horizontal crop spread under a variety of agro-climatic conditions and the development of insensitive genotypes that perform well in all seasons. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify genotypes that are mature early, insensitive to photoperiod, high temperature and tolerant to drought stress. A set of 74 genotypes was evaluated under rainfed conditions in Kharif 2021 (off-season) to select eight promising early-maturing genotypes with high-yielding capacity. Then further investigations were conducted in five different seasons Late Kharif 2021, rabi 2021, summer 2022, early Kharif 2022 and Kharif 2022 to identify the genotypes with photothermo-insensitivity among the selected eight genotypes. With the exception of rabi 2021, each of these seasons were distinct from the chickpea's typical growing season. Among these eight, the stable genotypes which are performed better in all the seasons, especially in summer were considered, such as IPC 06-11, MNK-1, JG-14 and ICE 15654-A as a photothermo-insensitive, were able to flower and set pods with higher seed yield and, resulting in early maturity in a temperature range of 41.4/9.3°C with photoperiods of 13.1/10.9 h to reach in all seasons throughout the year. The heritability was more than 60%. Hence, these genotypes can be used as donor aids in the development of early maturing, drought stress tolerant and photothermo-insensitive chickpea.

Influence of Physico-chemical Traits of Chickpea Genotypes on Preference and Non-preference of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)

Background: Chickpea is one of the most important and nutritionally rich pulse crops widely grown in India. Pulse beetle is a cosmopolitan insect pest that can cause significant losses in stored chickpeas. Host Plant Resistance, one of the most effective methods, being adopted for decades to identify the traits in the host plants that confer resistance against the insect pests. The present study has been undertaken to screen different genotypes of chickpea against pulse beetle and to understand the influence of physico-chemical traits of chickpea genotypes on the population buildup of pulse bruchid. Methods: Twenty chickpea genotypes including thirteen desi and seven kabuli type were screened against pulse beetle through free choice test at Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla during 2020-21. Certain physical and biochemical parameters of chickpeas were assessed and the level of their influence on growth and development of pulse bruchid was estimated by correlation and regression analyses. Result: The desi chickpea genotypes viz., NBeG 452, NBeG 1129, ICC 86111, NBeG 49 and NBeG 776 with less oviposition, less number of adults emerged, less grain damage were found relatively with less test weight, total soluble sugars and more seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins and the kabuli genotypes viz., NBeG 440, NBeG 789 and NBeG 833 with more oviposition, more number of adults emerged, more grain damage were found relatively with more test weight, total soluble sugars and less seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins. Thus, test weight, total soluble sugars exhibited significant positive correlation with growth and damage parameters of pulse beetle, while the seed coat thickness, total phenols and tannins exhibited significant negative correlation. Despite the fact that the biochemical components of the genotypes of chickpea varied significantly, they had little effect on the development of pulse bruchid.

Genetic Evaluation of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm for Growth, Seed Yield and it’s Attributing Characters in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

The current study evaluated 13 chickpea genotypes raised in a randomized block design with 3 replications during Rabi season of 2020-21 at Experimental research farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Naini Agriculture Institute, Prayagraj. The results indicated that the magnitude of higher value of Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was recorded for seed yield per plot and biological yield per plant respectively. The genotype C-203 recorded highest number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and seed yield per plot. High Heritability coupled with high Genetic advance as percent mean was recorded for seed yield per plot, biological yield per plant and number of primary branches per plant. The analysis of variance indicated that there were highly significant differences among genotypes.

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.

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.

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.

Screening Chickpea Genotypes against Fusarium Wilt Disease under Greenhouse Conditions

Chickpea wilt, incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, stands as a significant vascular root disease that has economic implications. This disease can result in substantial yield losses, potentially up to 90%, during the various stages of crop growth. The study designed with the objective of screening chickpea genotypes against fusarium wilt. In the present investigation, 25 chickpea genotypes, including two control, WR315 (highly resistant) and JG 62 (highly susceptible), underwent screening. The screening involved artificially inoculating the pathogen responsible for Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Of the genotypes screened, the genotype……(highly resistant), followed by genotype ……..and …………..In contrast the genotype …..most susceptible followed by …..and …… .

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.

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.

Effect of Seed Biopriming on Germination &amp; Seedling Attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The Study was conducted during Zaid season of 2022-2023 with IPC-05-59 genotype of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Find out the Effect of seed biopriming on germination &amp; seedling attributes in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L). The design of experiment was Completely Randomized Design comprising treatments [viz.T0-uninoculatedT1-Bacillus sp, T2- Mesorhizobium sp., T3- Pseudomonas sp, T4- Bacillus sp(0.5)+ Mesorhizobium sp.(0.5),T5- Pseudomonas sp.(0.5)+ Mesorhizobium sp.(0.5), T6- Bacillus sp.(0.5)+Pseudomonas sp(0.5).+ Mesorhizobium sp.(0.5), T7- Bacillus sp,T8- Mesorhizobium sp, T9- Pseudomonas sp, T10- Bacillus sp.(0.5) + Mesorhizobium sp(0.5),T11-Pseudomonas sp. (0.5)+ Mesorhizobiumsp(0.5),T12- Bacillus sp.(0.5) + Pseudomonas sp. (0.5) + Mesorhizobium sp. (0.5) . The treated seeds along with control were evaluated for their morpho-physiological, growth, yield, root parameters and biochemical parameters under laboratory conditions, The study revealed that seeds biopriming techniques with Bacillus sp.(0.5)+ Pseudomonas sp(0.5).+ Mesorhizobium sp.(0.5) concentration @ 1.0ml for 1 hours T6 recorded significantly higher germination percent (93%), rate of germination (5.38), mean germination time (11.16), root length (11.73cm),shoot length(13.27cm),seedling length(25.00cm), fresh weight (7.91gm),dry weight (1.62gm), vigor index-I (2324.91), vigor index – II (135.82), seed density (1.27), electrical conductivity (0.817), seed metabolic efficiency (1.018). which was followed by seedprimingwithT12- Bacillus sp (0.5) +Pseudomonas sp (0.5) +Mesorhizobium sp (0.5) @ 1.5ml for 2 hours and minimum was recorded in T0 (control).

Evaluation of chickpea genotypes in Cerrado conditions in the South of the state of Tocantins

The chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) has potential for cultivation in the Brazilian cerrado region, its sowing supplies both the domestic market and exports, bringing benefits to the economy. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate morphophysiological and yield parameters in six genotypes of chickpeas with different genetic basis, which make it possible to select materials suitable for commercial cultivation under the conditions of the cerrado in the south of the state of Tocantins. Six treatments were used to carry out the experiment, each one characterized by one of the following: BRS Cícero; BRS Aleppo; BRS Khalifa; BRS Cristalino; Jamu 96 and BRS Toro. To define the best genotypes, morphophysiological characteristics of the crop were evaluated, namely: grain yield, weight of a thousand grains, plant height, number of days until flowering, number of days until maturation, chlorophyll a and b index, internal concentration of CO2, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. The cultivation of chickpeas in the cerrado is viable for the region. The Jamu 96 genotype stands out among the others, in the main morphophysiological characteristics, being the one that obtained the highest production averages. The genotypes BRS Cícero, BRS Aleppo and BRS Khalifa showed potential for improvement in production, due to their thousand-grain weight being similar to Jamu 96, making evident the need for genetic improvement in order to obtain genotypes more adapted to the soil and climate conditions of southern Brazil. Tocantins, making them more adapted to the region and thus increasing the production potential.

Evaluation of Desi Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) Landraces for Heat Tolerance using Morpho-phenological Traits and Stress Tolerance Indices (STI)

Background: Chickpea is a globally important commercial crop and a key source of protein for vegetarian populations. Though chickpea was domesticated at least 3000 years ago, research into abiotic stress tolerance has been limited compared to cereals. Methods: An experiment was conducted with a set of seventy-one genotypes of Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to isolate high temperature tolerant genotypes using randomized block design (RBD) under two different sowing conditions (normal and late/terminal heat stress) and two growing seasons (rabi-2017-18 and 2018-19) at the Pulses Research Station of Junagadh Agricultural University. The screening of heat tolerant genotypes was done based on nine morpho-phenological traits, stress tolerance indices and correlation amongst them. Result: The heat tolerant genotypes of chickpea had less percentage of reduction in numbers of pods, seed yield per plant and 100-seeds weight. Five genotypes viz., ICC 4958, ICC 14595, ICC 8318, GG 4 and ICCV 92944 were identified as highly heat tolerant on the basis of HSI and YSR. These tolerant genotypes and screening criteria’s can be of great importance to identify donor parents to develop new cultivars for the farmers growing chickpea in the heat prone regions.

Shoot transcriptome revealed widespread differential expression and potential molecular mechanisms of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) against Fusarium wilt.

The yield of chickpea is severely hampered by infection wilt caused by several races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance against Foc4 Fusarium wilt, RNA sequencing-based shoot transcriptome data of two contrasting chickpea genotypes, namely KWR 108 (resistant) and GL 13001 (susceptible), were generated and analyzed. The shoot transcriptome data showed 1,103 and 1,221 significant DEGs in chickpea genotypes KWR 108 and GL 13001, respectively. Among these, 495 and 608 genes were significantly down and up-regulated in genotypes KWR 108, and 427 and 794 genes were significantly down and up-regulated in genotype GL 13001. The gene ontology (GO) analysis of significant DEGs was performed and the GO of the top 50 DEGs in two contrasting chickpea genotypes showed the highest cellular components as membrane and nucleus, and molecular functions including nucleotide binding, metal ion binding, transferase, kinase, and oxidoreductase activity involved in biological processes such as phosphorylation, oxidation-reduction, cell redox homeostasis process, and DNA repair. Compared to the susceptible genotype which showed significant up-regulation of genes involved in processes like DNA repair, the significantly up-regulated DEGs of the resistant genotypes were involved in processes like energy metabolism and environmental adaptation, particularly host-pathogen interaction. This indicates an efficient utilization of environmental adaptation pathways, energy homeostasis, and stable DNA molecules as the strategy to cope with Fusarium wilt infection in chickpea. The findings of the study will be useful in targeting the genes in designing gene-based markers for association mapping with the traits of interest in chickpea under Fusarium wilt which could be efficiently utilized in marker-assisted breeding of chickpea, particularly against Foc4 Fusarium wilt.