Breeding for improved productivity, multiple resistance and wide adaptation in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important crop for developed as well as underdeveloped countries, especially those in the Indian sub-continent that contribute more than 60% to both the global area and global production. The harsh environmental conditions under which chickpeas are generally grown impose restrictions on the expression of genetic yield potential. In the present study, a number of different breeding approaches for the development of genotypes possessing multiple resistances to different biotic and abiotic stresses, coupled with enhanced productivity are reported. In one study, 90 genetically diverse genotypes (35 medium-sized desi types, 35 bold-seeded desi types, 10 medium-sized kabuli types and 10 bold-seeded kabuli types) were tested in several locations in the 2000–2002 seasons, under rainfed (dryland) conditions and with supplemental irrigation. The bold-seeded desi genotypes gave superior performance in the rainfed environment, while the bold-seeded kabuli genotypes outyielded the other cultivars under supplemental irrigation. From crosses between accessions from geographically diverse sources, crosses between lines carrying multiple disease resistances, and crosses between the cultivated chickpea and the wild species, C. reticulatum, 23 selections were tested for yield and resistance to multiple stresses at various locations in northern and central India. From the crosses between geographically diverse parents, six high-yielding kabuli genotypes with wide adaptation and drought tolerance were identified. Pyramiding genes for multiple resistances proved useful in identifying eight lines possessing multiple disease resistance. Introgressing wild genes generated nine genotypes with high yield potential, resistance to soil-borne diseases and adaptation to water-limited environments. We conclude that high productivity, multiple resistance and wide adaptability can be achieved simultaneously by using potentially complementary approaches.

Pre-breeding for diversification of primary gene pool and genetic enhancement of grain legumes

“…Three lines BG 1100, BG 1101, and BG 1103 produced 20% higher seed yield than the best-adapted cultivars and were resistant to Fusarium wilt ( Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris ) (Yadav et al, 2004). Interspecific derivatives possessing a high degree of resistance to diseases such as wilt, root rot and foot rot, and high yield, have been obtained from C. arietinum × C. reticulatum crosses (Singh et al, 2005).…”

Evaluation of Helicoverpa and drought resistance in desi and kabuli chickpea

“…However, Gowda et al (1985) reported that the inheritance of Helicoverpa resistance in chickpea is controlled by additive genes. Drought in chickpea is also a worldwide problem and its impact on this crop has been studied and reported from different countries, namely in Australia by Turner (2003) and in India by Yadav et al (2004). Therefore, addressing these causes of yield loss is a priority for pulse breeders in the Indian subcontinent.…”

Características agronómicas y contenido de Fe y Zn en el grano de frijol tipo Rosa de Castilla (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

“…For yield, the greatest effect of variation observed was for location, followed by interaction and genotype. Generally, yield displays an important effect of genotype by environment interaction (Singh, 1992), with an increased effect between contrasting environments (Yadav et al, 2004). Or the weight of 100 seeds, the effect of the genotype was more important than location.…”

“…Para el rendimiento el mayor efecto en la variación observada fue para la localidad, seguida de la interacción y el genotipo. Por lo general, el rendimiento muestra un gran efecto de interacción genotipo por ambiente (Singh, 1992), efecto incrementado entre ambientes contrastantes (Yadav et al, 2004). Para el peso de 100 semillas el efecto del genotipo fue más importante que el de la localidad.…”