Seed technological studies in chickpea Cicer arietinum L

Abstract

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted at the Main Agricultural Research newlineStation, Dharwad and in the laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, newlineUniversity of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi 2007-08 and 2008-09. newlineNipping at 30 DAS and growth regulator foliar spray in A-1 and ICCV-2 chickpea newlinevarieties revealed that over of nipping and growth regulators, A-1 recorded more number of newlinebranches and pods per plant with higher seed yield and better seed quality parameters newlinecompared to ICCV-2. Nipping showed beneficial influence on number of branches and pods newlineper plant with higher seed yield (28.50 q/ha) and better seed quality. Among growth newlineregulators, NAA (50 ppm) followed by Tricontanol (0.1%) resulted in more number of newlinebranches and pods per plant with higher seed yield (29.91 and 27.80, respectively) with better newlineseed quality parameters. The interaction effect of varieties, nipping and growth regulators also newlineshowed similar beneficial influence on seed yield and quality. newlineThe field study on seed size grades on seed yield and quality in five chickpea newlinevarieties revealed that big and medium seeds produced more seed yield (33.11 and 32.05 newlinekg/ha, respectively) with better seed quality parameters compared to small seeds. Seed yield newlineand quality were more in Desi over Kabuli chickpea varieties. The interaction effect showed newlinethat big seeds of Desi and Kabuli types were better in seed yield and quality compared to newlinesmall seeds. newlineThe storage study indicated that Desi varieties maintained satisfactory germination newlineupto 8-9 months while Kabuli types upto 7-8 months. Among seed size, small and medium newlineseeds were relatively more in storage potential that other seed grades. newlineIn all the chickpea varieties, 100 seed weight and moisture content decreased newlinesignificantly with advance in maturity, while, germination and vigour index increased. Seeds newlineharvested at full yellow pod colour stage (H3) recorded higher germination (96.40%) and seed newlinevigour. newlineThe morphological characters viz., stem colour, pigmentation, foliage