The potential of durum wheat-chickpea intercropping to improve the soil available phosphorus status and biomass production in a subtropical climate.

The intercropping system is a promising approach to augmenting the soil nutrient status and promoting sustainable crop production. However, it is not known whether intercropping improves the soil phosphorus (P) status in alluvial soils with low P under subtropical climates. Over two growing seasons--2019-2020 and 2020-2021--two experimental fields were employed to explore the effect of durum wheat (Dw) and chickpea (Cp) cropping systems on the soil available P. A randomized complete block design was used in this experiment, with three blocks each divided into three plots. Each plot was used for one of the following three treatments with three replications: Dw monocrop (Dw-MC), Cp monocrop (Cp-MC), and Dw + Cp intercrop (CpDw-InC), with bulk soil (BS) used as a control. A reduction in the rhizosphere soil pH (-0.44 and -0.11 unit) was observed in the (Cp-MC) and (CpDw-InC) treatments over BS, occurring concomitantly with a significant increase in available P in the rhizosphere soil of around 28.45% for CpDw-InC and 24.9% for Cp-MC over BS. Conversely, the rhizosphere soil pH was significantly higher (+0.12 units) in the Dw-MC treatments. In addition, intercropping enhanced the soil microbial biomass P, with strong positive correlations observed between the biomass P and available P in the Cp-MC treatment, whereas this correlation was negative in the CpDw-InC and Dw-MC treatments. These findings suggested that Cp intercropped with Dw could be a viable approach in enhancing the available P through improved pH variation and biomass P when cultivated on alluvial soil under a subtropical climate.

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase pathway helps in nitrooxidative stress tolerance in germinating chickpea.

Mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) is an important protein that can help in regulating reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in plants. The role of AOX in regulation of nitro-oxidative stress in chickpea is not known. Using germinating chickpea as a model system, we investigated the role of AOX in nitro-oxidative stress tolerance. NaCl treatment was used as an inducer of nitro-oxidative stress. Treatment of germinating seeds with 150 mM NaCl led to reduced germination and radicle growth. The AOX inhibitor SHAM caused further inhibition of germination, and the AOX inducer pyruvate improved growth of the radicle under NaCl stress. Isolated mitochondria from germinated seeds under salt stress not only increased AOX capacity but also enhanced AOX protein expression. Measurement of superoxide levels revealed that AOX inhibition by SHAM can enhance superoxide levels, whereas the AOX inducer pyruvate reduced superoxide levels. Measurement of NO by gas phase chemiluminescence revealed enhanced NO generation in response to NaCl treatment. Upon NaCl treatment there was enhanced tyrosine nitration, which is an indicator of nitrosative stress response. Taken together, our results revealed that AOX induced under salinity stress in germinating chickpea can help in mitigating nitro-oxidative stress, thereby improving germination.

Physio-biochemical responses and crop performance analysis in chickpea upon botanical priming.

Chickpea is a highly nutritious protein-rich source and one of the major crops to alleviate global malnutrition, but poor seed quality affects its productivity. Seed quality is essential for better crop establishment and higher yields, particularly in the uncertain climate change. The present study investigated the impact of botanical priming versus hydropriming and bavistin seed treatment on chickpea seeds. A detailed physiological (germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index) and biochemical (amylase, protease, dehydrogenase, phytase, and lipid peroxidation) analysis was carried out in order to assess the effect of priming treatments. Turmeric-primed seeds showed better germination rate (94.5%), seedling length, enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the expression of minor polypeptides of albumin and globulin in the primed seeds. Moreover, field experiments indicated increased crop growth, vigour, days to 50% flowering, yield and its attributing traits in turmeric-primed seeds. Botanical priming can increase chickpea yield by up to 16% over the control group. This low-cost and eco-friendly technique enhances seed and crop performance, making it a powerful tool for augmenting chickpea growth. Therefore, chickpea growers must adopt botanical priming techniques to enhance the quality of seed and crop performance. Moreover, this approach is environmentally sustainable and can help conserve natural resources in the long term. Therefore, this new approach must be widely adopted across the agricultural industry to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), adult feeding preference and larval development on pulse crop varieties in Montana.

BACKGROUND: Montana accounts for approximately 45% of US dry pea production and the pea leaf weevil (PLW; Sitona lineatus (L.)) is the most common insect pest in this region. After crop emergence adult PLW feed on the foliage to mature and subsequently mate, and the soil-dwelling larvae feed and develop on the nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Producers commonly apply prophylactic insecticide treatments to the seed at planting as well as one or two post-emergent insecticide sprays to control PLW damage. To develop alternative management strategies based on integrated pest management (IPM), this field study evaluated pulse crops grown in Montana for adult feeding preference and larval development. Ten different field pea varieties, along with two faba bean, lentil and chickpea varieties, were evaluated during the 2020 and 2021 field seasons at the Montana State University Arthur H. Post Agronomy Farm. RESULTS: Significant PLW pest pressure was observed within the research plots during both experimental years. Field pea and faba bean were preferred by the foliage feeding adult stage, with all but one variety averaging 39.2 to 86.3 average notches per plant. The pea variety Lifter was significantly preferred over all other comparisons, averaging 142.4 and 95.0 notches per plant in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Adult PLW feeding on lentil and chickpea was minimal, averaging 3.3 to 8.2 and 0.5 to 1.6 notches per plant, respectively. Numbers of larvae were highest on the roots of pea varieties, a known reproductive host, and almost nil on lentil and chickpea roots. Faba bean is also known as reproductive host, but, unexpectedly, larval populations were also low on the two faba bean varieties. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study provide some limited evidence for alternative IPM strategies for field peas based on host plant tolerance or resistance within the range of varieties tested. Adult preference and larval development of PLW varied between the different pulse crops with field peas and faba beans being the most susceptible and lentils and chickpeas being the least susceptible. Host plant resistance against PLW could provide more sustainable IPM approaches in the future. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Multifarious Potential of Biopolymer-Producing Bacillus subtilis NJ14 for Plant Growth Promotion and Stress Tolerance in Solanum lycopercicum L. and Cicer arietinum L: A Way Toward Sustainable Agriculture.

Diverse practices implementing biopolymer-producing bacteria have been examined in various domains lately. PHAs are among the major biopolymers whose relevance of PHA-producing bacteria in the field of crop improvement is one of the radical unexplored aspects in the field of agriculture. Prolonging shelf life is one serious issue hindering the establishment of biofertilizers. Studies support that PHA can help bacteria survive stressed conditions by providing energy. Therefore, PHA-producing bacteria with Plant Growth-Promoting ability can alter the existing problem of short shelf life in biofertilizers. In the present study, Bacillus subtilis NJ14 was isolated from the soil. It was explored to understand the ability of the strain to produce PHA and augment growth in Solanum lycopersicum and Cicer arietinum. NJ14 strain improved the root and shoot length of both plants significantly. The root and shoot length of S. lycopersicum was increased by 3.49 and 0.41 cm, respectively. Similarly, C. arietinum showed a 9.55 and 8.24 cm increase in root and shoot length, respectively. The strain also exhibited halotolerant activity (up to 10%), metal tolerance to lead (up to 1000 µg/mL) and mercury (up to 100 µg/mL), indicating that the NJ14 strain can be an ideal candidate for a potent biofertilizer.

Bacillus thuringiensis CHGP12 uses a multifaceted approach for the suppression of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and to enhance the biomass of chickpea plants.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus species synthesize antifungal lipopeptides (LPs) making them a sustainable and eco-friendly management option to combat Fusarium wilt of chickpea. RESULTS: In this study, 18 endophytic Bacillus strains were assessed for their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC) associated with Fusarium wilt of chickpea. Among them, 13 strains produced significant inhibition zones in a direct antifungal assay while five strains failed to produce the inhibition of FOC. Bacillus thuringiensis CHGP12 exhibited the highest inhibition 3.45 cm of FOC. The LPs extracted from CHGP12 showed significant inhibition of the pathogen. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirmed that CHGP12 possessed the ability to produce fengycin, surfactin, iturin, bacillaene, bacillibactin, plantazolicin, and bacilysin. In an in vitro qualitative assay CHGP12 exhibited the ability to produce lipase, amylase, cellulase, protease, siderophores, and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA and gibberellic acid (GA) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with 370 and 770 ng mL-1 concentrations of IAA and GA respectively. Furthermore, the disease severity showed a 40% decrease over control in CHGP12 treated plants compared to the control in a glasshouse experiment. Moreover, CHGP12 also exhibited a significant increase in total biomass of the plants namely, root and shoot growth parameters, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings suggest that B. thuringiensis CHGP12 is a promising strain with high antagonistic and growth-promoting potential against Fusarium wilt of chickpea. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in maize-chickpea sequence under various integrated nutrient modules in a Vertisol of Central India.

Present investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the performance of chickpea crop under various nutrient management modules in a Vertisol. The field experiment was set up in a randomized block design with three replications of twelve different INM modules. During the rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19, the chickpea (cv. JG-315) was grown with a set of treatments. The crop's performance was evaluated in terms of growth, yield (grain and straw), nutritional content, and nutrient uptake under different treatments. At crop harvest, the physic-chemical characteristics of the soil were also evaluated. Finally, the relationship between the numerous examined parameters was determined. The results showed that integrated nutrient management modules had a positive impact on chickpea crop performance and productivity when compared to using only inorganic fertilizer. The INM modules dramatically increased soil organic carbon and improved soil health in terms of physical and chemical qualities, in addition to higher crop performance. Among the various modules, (1) application of 75% STCR dose + FYM @ 5t ha-1to maize followed by 100% P only to chickpea and (2) application of FYM @ 20t ha-1to maize followed by FYM @ 5t ha-1 to chickpea increased the productivity and nutrient uptake in chickpea, improved soil physico-chemical properties and reflected as viable technique in improving soil nutrient availability on sustainable basis.

Chickpeas from a Chilean Region Affected by a Climate-Related Catastrophe: Effects of Water Stress on Grain Yield and Flavonoid Composition.

The Valparaiso region in Chile was decreed a zone affected by catastrophe in 2019 as a consequence of one of the driest seasons of the last 50 years. In this study, three varieties ('Alfa-INIA', 'California-INIA', and one landrace, 'Local Navidad') of kabuli-type chickpea seeds produced in 2018 (control) and 2019 (climate-related catastrophe, hereafter named water stress) were evaluated for their grain yield. Furthermore, the flavonoid profile of both free and esterified phenolic extracts was determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the concentration of the main flavonoid, biochanin A, was determined using liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The grain yield was decreased by up to 25 times in 2019. The concentration of biochanin A was up to 3.2 times higher in samples from the second season (water stress). This study demonstrates that water stress induces biosynthesis of biochanin A. However, positive changes in the biochanin A concentration are overshadowed by negative changes in the grain yield. Therefore, water stress, which may be worsened by climate change in the upcoming years, may jeopardize both the production of chickpeas and the supply of biochanin A, a bioactive compound that can be used to produce dietary supplements and/or nutraceuticals.

The genetics of vigour-related traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): insights from genomic data.

KEY MESSAGE: QTL controlling vigour and related traits were identified in a chickpea RIL population and validated in diverse sets of germplasm. Robust KASP markers were developed for marker-assisted selection. To understand the genetic constitution of vigour in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), genomic data from a bi-parental population and multiple diversity panels were used to identify QTL, sequence-level haplotypes and genetic markers associated with vigour-related traits in Australian environments. Using 182 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two desi varieties, Rupali and Genesis836, vigour QTL independent of flowering time were identified on chromosomes (Ca) 1, 3 and 4 with genotypic variance explained (GVE) ranging from 7.1 to 28.8%. Haplotype analysis, association analysis and graphical genotyping of whole-genome re-sequencing data of two diversity panels consisting of Australian and Indian genotypes and an ICRISAT Chickpea Reference Set revealed a deletion in the FTa1-FTa2-FTc gene cluster of Ca3 significantly associated with vigour and flowering time. Across the RIL population and diversity panels, the impact of the deletion was consistent for vigour but not flowering time. Vigour-related QTL on Ca4 co-located with a QTL for seed size in Rupali/Genesis836 (GVE = 61.3%). Using SNPs from this region, we developed and validated gene-based KASP markers across different panels. Two markers were developed for a gene on Ca1, myo -inositol monophosphatase (CaIMP), previously proposed to control seed size, seed germination and seedling growth in chickpea. While associated with vigour in the diversity panels, neither the markers nor broader haplotype linked to CaIMP was polymorphic in Rupali/Genesis836. Importantly, vigour appears to be controlled by different sets of QTL across time and with components which are independent from phenology.

Antioxidant status and their enhancements strategies for water stress tolerance in chickpea / Status antioxidante e suas estratégias de aprimoramento para tolerância ao estresse hídrico no grão-de-bico

Water stress executes severe influences on the plant growth and development through modifying physio-chemical properties. Therefore, a field experiment was designed to evaluate the antioxidant status and their enhancements strategies for water stress tolerance in chickpea on loam and clay loam soils under agro-ecological conditions of Arid Zone Research Institute, Bahawalpur (29.3871 °N, 71.653 °E) and Cholistan farm near Derawer (28.19°N, 71.80°E) of Southern Punjab, Pakistan during winter 2014-15. Experimental treatments comprised of two chickpea cultivars i.e. Bhakhar 2011 (drought tolerant) and DUSHT (drought sensitive), two water stress levels i.e. water stress at flowering stage and water stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage including well watered (control) and two exogenous application of osmoprotectants i.e. glycine betaine (GB) 20 ppm and proline 10 uM including distilled water (control). Results indicated that water stress at various growth stages adversely affects the growth, yield and quality attributes of both chickpea cultivars. Exogenous application of GB and proline improved the growth, yield and quality parameters of both chickpea cultivars even under water stress conditions. However, superior results were obtained with exogenously applied GB on Bhakhar 2011 under well-watered conditions. Similarly, foliar spray of GB on chickpea cultivar Bhakhar 2011 under stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage produced maximum superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase contents. These results suggested that application of GB mitigates the adverse effects of water stress and enhanced tolerance in chickpea mainly due to higher antioxidant enzymes activity, demonstrating the protective measures of plant cells in stress condition. Hence, antioxidants status might be a suitable method for illustrating water stress tolerance in chickpea.

O estresse hídrico exerce fortes influências no crescimento e no desenvolvimento das plantas, modificando as propriedades físico-químicas. Portanto, a presente atividade de pesquisa foi projetada para avaliar o status antioxidante e suas estratégias de aprimoramento para tolerância ao estresse hídrico no grão-de-bico em condiçõesa groecológicas, no Instituto de Pesquisa da Zona Árida, Bahawalpur (29.3871 ° N, 71.653 ° E) e fazenda do Cholistan, perto de Derawer (28.19 ° N, 71,80 ° E), no sul de Punjab, Paquistão, durante Rabi 2014-15. Tratamentos experimentais compostos de dois genótipos de grão-de-bico, como Bhakhar 2011 (tolerante à seca) e DUSHT (sensível à seca), dois níveis de estresse hídrico, ou seja, estresse hídrico no estágio de floração, estresse hídrico na fase de floração e estresse hídrico na fase de floração + formação de vagem + estágio de enchimento de grãos, incluindo água bem controlada (controle) e duas aplicações exógenas de osmoprotetores, isto é, glicina betaína 20 ppm e prolina 10 uM, incluindo água destilada (controle). Os resultados indicaram que o estresse hídrico em vários estágios de crescimento afeta negativamente os atributos de crescimento, rendimento e qualidade de ambas as cultivares de grão-de-bico. A aplicação exógena de glicina betaína e prolina melhorou os parâmetros de crescimento, rendimento e qualidade de ambos os genótipos de grão- de-bico, mesmo sob condições de estresse hídrico. No entanto, resultados superiores foram obtidos com glicina betaína aplicada exogenamente em Bhakhar 2011, em condições bem regadas. Além disso, o spray foliar de glicina betaína na cultivar de grão-de-bico Bhakhar 2011, sob estresse na fase de floração + formação de vagem + enchimento de grãos, produziu o máximo de superóxido dismutase, peroxidase e catalase. Esses resultados sugeriram que a aplicação de glicina betaína atenua os efeitos adversos do estresse hídrico e aumenta a [...].

Exogenously applied nutrients can improve the chickpea productivity under water stress conditions by modulating the antioxidant enzyme system / Nutrientes aplicados exogenamente melhoram a produtividade do grão-de bico em condições de estresse hídrico, modulando o sistema de enzimas antioxidantes

Water stress is one of the major factor restricting the growth and development of chickpea plants by inducing various morphological and physiological changes. Therefore, the present research activity was designed to improve the chickpea productivity under water stress conditions by modulating antioxidant enzyme system. Experimental treatments comprised of two chickpea genotypes i.e. Bhakhar 2011 (drought tolerant) and DUSHT (drought sensitive), two water stress levels i.e. water stress at flowering stage and water stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage including well watered (control) and three exogenous application of nutrients i.e. KCl 200 ppm, MgCl2, 50 ppm and CaCl2, 10 mM including distilled water (control). Results indicated that water stress at various growth stages adversely affects the growth, yield and quality attributes of both chickpea cultivars. Exogenous application of nutrients improved the growth, yield and antioxidant enzyme activities of both chickpea genotypes even under water stress conditions. However, superior results were obtained with foliar spray of potassium chloride on Bhakhar 2011 under well-watered conditions. Similarly, foliar spray of potassium chloride on chickpea cultivar Bhakhar 2011 cultivated under stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage produced significantly higher contents of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase. These results suggests that the application of potassium chloride mitigates the adverse effects of water stress and enhanced tolerance in chickpea mainly due to higher antioxidant enzymes activity, demonstrating the protective measures of plant cells in stress conditions.

O estresse hídrico é um dos principais fatores que restringem o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das plantas de grão-de-bico, induzindo várias alterações morfológicas e fisiológicas. Portanto, a presente atividade de pesquisa foi projetada para melhorar a produtividade do grão-de-bico em condições de estresse hídrico, por meio da modulação do sistema de enzimas antioxidantes. Tratamentos experimentais compostos de dois genótipos de grão-de-bico, ou seja, Bhakhar 2011 (tolerante à seca) e DUSHT (sensível à seca), dois níveis de estresse hídrico, ou seja, estresse hídrico na fase de floração e estresse hídrico na floração + formação de vagens + estágio de enchimento de grãos incluindo bem irrigado (controle) e três aplicações exógenas de nutrientes, ou seja, KCl 200 ppm, MgCl2 50 ppm e CaCl2 10 mM, incluindo água destilada (controle). Os resultados indicaram que o estresse hídrico em vários estágios de crescimento afeta negativamente os atributos de crescimento, rendimento e qualidade de ambas as cultivares de grão-de-bico. A aplicação exógena de nutrientes melhorou o crescimento, o rendimento e as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes de ambos os genótipos de grão-de-bico, mesmo em condições de estresse hídrico. No entanto, resultados superiores foram obtidos com pulverização foliar de cloreto de potássio em Bhakhar 2011, em condições bem irrigadas. Da mesma forma, a pulverização foliar de cloreto de potássio na cultivar de grão-de-bico Bhakhar 2011 cultivada sob estresse na fase de floração + formação de vagens + enchimento de grãos produziu teores significativamente maiores de superóxido dismutase, peroxidase e catalase. Esses resultados sugerem que a aplicação de cloreto de potássio atenua os efeitos adversos do estresse hídrico e aumenta a tolerância no grão-de-bico, principalmente em razão de mais atividade de enzimas antioxidantes, demonstrando as medidas protetoras das células vegetais em condições de estresse.

Using mathematical models to evaluate germination rate and seedlings length of chickpea seed (Cicer arietinum L.) to osmotic stress at cardinal temperatures.

Cicer arietinum is the 3rd most important cool season legume crop growing in vast arid and semi-arid regions of the world. A lab experiment was designed using hydrothermal time model (HTT) to investigate the chickpea seed germination (SG) behavior, cardinal temperatures and germination responses across fluctuating temperatures (Ts) and water potentials (Ψs). Seeds of chickpea var. NIFA 1995 were germinated at six constant Ts (7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42°C) each having the following five water potentials: 0, -0.2, -0.4-0.6 and -0.8 MPa. Germination percentage (G%) decreased significantly at (*P ≤ 0.05) from 86.7% at 28°C in -0.2 MPa to 10% in -0.2 MPa at 7°C. The germination rate (GR = 1/t50) against different T percentiles exhibited that linear increase was observed in the GR pattern above and below the To. Based on the confidence intervals of the model coefficients and (R2: 0.96), the average cardinal temperatures were 4.7, 23 and 44.2°C for the base (Tb), optimal (To) and ceiling (Tc) temperatures respectively. θT1 value was observed maximum at 28°C in -0.2 MPa and decreases with decreasing Ψ (-0.8 MPa). In comparison with control, the θT2 value was also highest in -0.2 MPa at 28°C. The thermal time (TT) concept is well fitted to germination fraction data in distilled water with an R2 value increasing 0.972. The hydro time constant (θH) increased with an increase in T to To and then decreased when T>To. The ѱb(50) irregularly varied with increasing T, σΨb was also recorded lowest (0.166 MPa) at 28°C and highest (0.457 MPa) at 7°C. Based on the statistical analysis, cardinal temperatures, hydrothermal time constant (θHTT) and germination findings the HTT gives an insight into the interactive effect of T and Ψ on seed germination time courses under varying environmental conditions.

Unraveling genetics of semi-determinacy and identification of markers for indeterminate stem growth habit in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is predominantly an indeterminate plant and tends to generate vegetative growth when the ambient is conducive for soil moisture, temperature and certain other environmental conditions. The semi-determinate (SDT) types are comparatively early, resistant to lodging and found to be similar in their yield potential to indeterminate (IDT) lines. Indeterminate and semi-determinate genotypes are found to be similar during early stage, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. Thus, there is a need to identify molecular markers linked either to indeterminate or semi-determinate plant types. The present study was carried out to study the genetics of semi-determinacy and identify molecular markers linked to stem growth habit. The study was undertaken in the cross involving BG 362(IDT) × BG 3078-1(SDT). All F1 plants were indeterminate, which indicates that indeterminate stem type is dominant over semi-determinate. In further advancement to F2 generation, F2 plants are segregated in the ratio of 3(Indeterminate): 1(Semi-determinate) that indicates that the IDT and SDT parents which are involved in the cross differed for a single gene. The segregation pattern observed in F2 is confirmed in F3 generation. The parental polymorphic survey was undertaken for molecular analysis using total of 245 SSR markers, out of which 41 polymorphic markers were found to distinguish the parents and were utilized for bulked segregant analysis (BSA). The segregation pattern in F2 indicates that the IDT (Indeterminate) and SDT (Semi-determinate) parents which are involved in the cross differed for single gene. The segregation pattern of F2 and F3 derived from the cross BG 362 (IDT) × BG 3078-1 (SDT) confirmed the genotypic structure of the newly found SDT genotype BG 3078-1 as dt1dt1Dt2Dt2. Three SSR markers TA42, Ca_GPSSR00560 and H3DO5 were found to be putatively linked to Dt1 locus regulating IDT stem growth habit. Our results indicate that the SSR markers identified for Dt1 locus helps to differentiate stem growth habit of chickpea in its early growth stage itself and can be efficiently utilized in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) for changed plant type in chickpea.

Soil type influence nutrient availability, microbial metabolic diversity, eubacterial and diazotroph abundance in chickpea rhizosphere.

Rhizosphere microbial communities are dynamic and play a crucial role in diverse biochemical processes and nutrient cycling. Soil type and cultivar modulate the composition of rhizosphere microbial communities. Changes in the community composition significantly alter microbial function and ecological process. We examined the influence of soil type on eubacterial and diazotrophic community abundance and microbial metabolic potential in chickpea (cv. BG 372 and cv. BG 256) rhizosphere. The total eubacterial and diazotrophic community as estimated through 16 S rDNA and nifH gene copy numbers using qPCR showed the soil type influence with clear rhizosphere effect on gene abundance. PLFA study has shown the variation in microbial community structure with different soil types. Differential influence of soil types and cultivar on the ratio of Gram positive to Gram negative bacteria was observed with most rhizosphere soils corresponding to higher ratios than bulk soil. The rhizosphere microbial activities (urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and beta-glucosidase) were also assessed as an indicator of microbial metabolic diversity. Principal component analysis and K-means non-hierarchical cluster mapping grouped soils into three categories, each having different soil enzyme activity or edaphic drivers. Soil type and cultivar influence on average substrate utilization pattern analyzed through community level physiological profiling (CLPP) was higher for rhizosphere soils than bulk soils. The soil nutrient studies revealed that both soil type and cultivar influenced the available N, P, K and organic carbon content of rhizosphere soil. Our study signifies that soil type and cultivar jointly influenced soil microbial community abundance and their metabolic potential in chickpea rhizosphere.

Identification and morphological characterization of promising kabuli chickpea genotypes for short-season environment in central India.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume crop grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In India, kabuli chickpea is grown in central India in ~0.5 million ha, predominantly under short winter (<110 days). Efforts are underway to select promising genotypes at the Food Legume Research Platform (FLRP), Amlaha, located in intensive kabuli chickpea growing area of India. Sixty-four kabuli chickpea lines were evaluated for agronomic traits during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 crop seasons at FLRP following simple 8 X 8 lattice design with two replications. The analysis of variance over two years revealed significant variation exists for days to flowering, plant height, maturity period, biomass, seed size and seed yield. It was observed that with similar maturity time (106 days), FLIP09-432C produced 2273 kg/ha, which out-yielded the popular variety in central India, JGK-3 by 15%. The breeding lines, FLIP09- 436C, FLIP09-171C, FLIP09-373C and FLIP09-247C were also found promising for earliness (104-110 days), and high yielding with the good yield ability (1003-2273 kg/ha). These promising genotypes for a short duration with good yield have been selected and can be used for various chickpea breeding programmes to develop high yielding varieties in central India.

Mesorhizobium ciceri as biological tool for improving physiological, biochemical and antioxidant state of Cicer aritienum (L.) under fungicide stress.

Fungicides among agrochemicals are consistently used in high throughput agricultural practices to protect plants from damaging impact of phytopathogens and hence to optimize crop production. However, the negative impact of fungicides on composition and functions of soil microbiota, plants and via food chain, on human health is a matter of grave concern. Considering such agrochemical threats, the present study was undertaken to know that how fungicide-tolerant symbiotic bacterium, Mesorhizobium ciceri affects the Cicer arietinum crop while growing in kitazin (KITZ) stressed soils under greenhouse conditions. Both in vitro and soil systems, KITZ imparted deleterious impacts on C. arietinum as a function of dose. The three-time more of normal rate of KITZ dose detrimentally but maximally reduced the germination efficiency, vigor index, dry matter production, symbiotic features, leaf pigments and seed attributes of C. arietinum. KITZ-induced morphological alterations in root tips, oxidative damage and cell death in root cells of C. arietinum were visible under scanning electron microscope (SEM). M. ciceri tolerated up to 2400 µg mL-1 of KITZ, synthesized considerable amounts of bioactive molecules including indole-3-acetic-acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane 1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, siderophores, exopolysaccharides (EPS), hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and solubilised inorganic phosphate even in fungicide-stressed media. Following application to soil, M. ciceri improved performance of C. arietinum and enhanced dry biomass production, yield, symbiosis and leaf pigments even in a fungicide-polluted environment. At 96 µg KITZ kg-1 soil, M. ciceri maximally and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) augmented the length of plants by 41%, total dry matter by 18%, carotenoid content by 9%, LHb content by 21%, root N by 9%, shoot P by 11% and pod yield by 15% over control plants. Additionally, the nodule bacterium M. ciceri efficiently colonized the plant rhizosphere/rhizoplane and considerably decreased the levels of stressor molecules (proline and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant defence enzymes viz. ascorbate peroxidise (APX), guaiacol peroxidise (GPX), catalase (CAT) and peroxidises (POD) of C. arietinum plants when inoculated in soil. The symbiotic strain effectively colonized the plant rhizosphere/rhizoplane. Conclusively, the ability to endure higher fungicide concentrations, capacity to secrete plant growth modulators even under fungicide pressure, and inherent features to lower the level of proline and plant defence enzymes makes this M. ciceri as a superb choice for augmenting the safe production of C. arietinum even under fungicide-contaminated soils.

Phosphate solubilization and multiple plant growth promoting properties of Mesorhizobium species nodulating chickpea from acidic soils of Ethiopia.

The main purpose of this study was to screen and select strains from seven Mesorhizobium spp. for efficient phosphate solubilizing and other plant growth-promoting traits. Mesorhizobium species were tested for their ability to dissolve inorganic phosphate sources and multiple plant growth-promoting attributes. From a total of 62 Mesorhizobium strains, 47(76%) strains formed clear zones with an average PSI of 1.9-2.7 on Pikovskaya's agar plate. The selected strains also released soluble phosphorus [125-150 P (µgml-1)] from tri-calcium phosphate and low level of phosphorous i.e., 15.4 µg/ml and 14.5 µg/ml from inorganic ferrous and aluminum phosphates, respectively, in a liquid medium after 4 days of incubation. The release of soluble P was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with a drop in pH of the medium. Moreover, screening for multiple plant growth-promoting attributes showed that 40, 28, 26, 21, and 38% of the strains were capable of producing indole-3-acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, siderophores, ACC deaminase, and antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris under in vitro conditions. The Mesorhizobium strains were endowed with the presence of ACC deaminase which was rarely reported elsewhere. All taken together, the acidic soils harbor numerous and more diverse phosphate solubilizing and plant growth-promoting Mesorhizobium spp. However, greenhouse and field conditions can be further studied within the context of improving chickpea production in Ethiopia.

Fungal endophytes in Peperomia obtusifolia and their potential as inhibitors of chickpea fungal pathogens.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L., Fabaceae) is the second most important legume after common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) and third in production among the legumes grains worldwide. Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt are among the main fungal infections which cause the major losses of chickpea crop. In this work we report the phyto-pathogen controlling properties of 24 endophyte Phomopsis/Diaporthe isolates on the chickpea fungal pathogens Ascochyta rabiei, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. The Phomopsis/Diaporthe strains were isolated amongst a total of 62 endophytic fungi from the aerial parts of the herbaceous perennial American plant Peperomia obtusifolia (Piperaceae) along with Fusarium, Septoria, Colletotrichum, Alternaria and Roussoella genera among others. Phomopsis/Diaporthe isolates were identified as Diaporthe infecunda (12 isolates), Diaporthe sackstoni (1 isolate), Diaporthe cf. brasiliensis (4 isolates) and Phomopsis cf. tuberivora (7 isolates). All the Phomopsis/Diaporthe strains antagonized A. rabiei strain AR2 with a mean of inhibition (% I) of 86.59 ± 1.49% in dual cultures. The metabolic characterization of the Phomopsis/Diaporthe strains showed groups in three clusters which were in agreement with the taxonomic identification. Bioautographic evaluation of organic extracts showed that those of D. cf. brasiliensis and D. infecunda were better as inhibitors. Strain Po 45 was one of the most active (cluster 1, 96.87% I), and its ethyl acetate extract inhibited A. rabiei growth in a bioautographic assay until at least 10 µg/mm applied showing a specific chromatographic band as the responsible of the A. rabiei inhibition.

Fundamental study on changes in the FODMAP profile of cereals, pseudo-cereals, and pulses during the malting process.

Whole grains and pulses are rich in nutrients but often avoided by individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, due to high levels of fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). This study investigated the impact of malting as delivery-system for endogenous enzymes. Malts from barley and wheat (naturally high in fructans), lentils and chickpeas (high in galactooligosaccharides), oat and buckwheat (low in FODMAPs) were produced. While barley and wheat malts had slightly elevated fructan-levels, in oat malt 0.8 g/100 g DM fructans were de novo synthesized. In lentils and chickpeas galactooligosaccharides diminished by 80-90%. Buckwheat did not contain any FODMAPs commonly investigated, but fagopyritols which may have a similar physiological effect. Also fagopyritols were degraded. While malted pulses and buckwheat are directly suitable for low FODMAP applications, using the combined approach of malting and fermentation, malted cereals could contribute to high nutritional values of such products.

Effect of chromium (VI) toxicity on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield, and yield components of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties.

The ever-increasing industrial activities over the decades have generated high toxic metal such as chromium (Cr) that hampers the crop productivity. This study evaluated the effect of Cr on two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties, Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112, in hydroponic and pot-grown conditions. First, growth parameters (seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass production) and physio-biochemical parameters (oxidative stress and the content of antioxidants and proline) were measured to evaluate the performance of both varieties grown hydroponically for 21 days at concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 µM Cr in the form of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). In both varieties, significantly deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth parameters were observed at 90 and 120 µM, while growth was stimulated at 30 µM Cr. Significant increases in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage demonstrated enhanced oxidative injury to seedlings caused by higher concentrations of Cr. Further, increasing concentrations of Cr positively correlated with increased proline content, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxide content in leaves. There was also an increase in peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in the leaves of both varieties at lower Cr concentrations, whereas a steep decline was recorded at higher Cr concentrations. In the pot experiments conducted over two consecutive years, growth, yield, yield attributes, grain protein, and Cr uptake and accumulation were measured at different Cr concentrations. Pusa Green 112 showed a significant reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll content, grain protein, pod number, and grain yield per plant when compared with Pusa 2085. Overall, our results indicate that Pusa 2085 has a higher Cr tolerance than Pusa Green 112. Therefore, Pusa 2085 could be used to further elucidate the mechanisms of Cr tolerance in plants and in breeding programmes to produce Cr-resistant varieties.