Evaluation of chickpea genotypes under rain-fed conditions in the Brazilian ‘Cerrado’ region

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the potential of chickpea cultivation when subjected to low soil moisture conditions and to identify genotypes with better agronomic and yield characteristics. The experiment was carried out in Brasilia in three sowing dates. Fifteen genotypes were evaluated, including two commercial cultivars (Cicero and IAC-Marrocos) developed in Brazil. During the experiment no irrigation was used. The following traits were evaluated: number of days to flowering, plant height, number of days to maturity, plant architecture, harvest index, weight of 1000 seeds and yield. Significant interaction between sowing dates and genotypes was observed for the major parameters. The genotypes FLIP03-109C, FLIP02-23C, FLIP03-34C and Jamu 96 were superior to the commercial cultivars grown in Brazil. These genotypes displayed a set of desirable agronomic characteristics and may be employed as parental in the breeding programs. In addition, they may be indicated as options for cultivation on Savanah conditions.