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Screening genotypes based on grain yield stability in different ecological zones is a prerequisite for developing a widely adapted genotype. For this purpose, 16 chickpea desi genotypes' evaluation through cooperative yield trial commenced during 2019-2020 at nine diversified locations across Punjab, Pakistan. Data underwent genotype by environment interaction (G × E) and mega environment analysis. Genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot view for yield depicted that G-4 (CH-21/13) was the ideal and superior genotype for stability and yield potential. GGE biplot 'what-won-where' for yield formed an irregular polygon showing interconnection among G-3 (CH-2016), G-4 (CH-21/13), G-8 (D-17003), G-11(D-17019), G-13 (TG-1427), G-14 (TG-1430), and G-16 (TG-1510), indicating these genotypes were comparatively more stable. Graphical representation of the mega environment analysis illustrated that E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan) was ideal and most discriminating for genotype screening. Results also revealed that the first mega environment's construction included the grouping of E-1 (Pulses Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-2 (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan), E-3 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Pakistan), and E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan), with G-4 (CH-21/13) as the winning genotype. Biplot also depicted that G-3 (CH-2016) was best in the second mega environment made by E-6 (Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Pakistan), and G-8 (D-17003) was a winner in E-4 (Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Barani, Pakistan). Combined analysis showed that G-4 (CH-21/13), G-8 (D-17003), and G-13 (TG-1427) were the most stable and high-yielding; therefore, these genotypes may considerably be widely adaptive across environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is the second most important legume crop in pulses, and its performance is greatly influenced by environmental factors inducing a change in the response patterns, complicating the selection of the best cultivar(s). The genotype-by-environment (G×E) patterns of a chickpea dataset (yield and days to emergence DTE) of 36 lines evaluated in 12 environments in Pakistan were assessed in this study. The interaction patterns were evaluated using the Bayesian Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model. For yield, the 95% highest posterior density (HPD) regions showed that none of the genotypes (G) were found to be stable since these did not include the null point (0, 0), while for the environments, only E-8 and E-10 included the origin. In contrast, for DTE 11, genotypes included the null point being considered stable for this trait; however, none of the environments included the origin. These results suggest that considering both traits, the genotypes G2, G6, and G17 are the best genotypes across environments, while environments E-8 and E-10 were identified as favorable to all genotypes. Based on the obtained results, the abovementioned genotypes can be forwarded for further processing to be released as commercial varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., is a nutrient rich crop that is widely cultivated and consumed in Pakistan. However, chickpea is highly prone to fungal growth leading to contamination with aflatoxins, the most potent carcinogen found in nature. In this study, fifty chickpea seed samples were collected from the local markets of the Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate their nutritional quality, fungal and AFB1 contamination. Proximate analysis suggested that chickpea seeds contained 5.5–6.93% moisture, 62.24–63.24% carbohydrates, 22.75–23.44% protein, 4.99–5.4% fat, 5.62–5.84% fiber and 2.92–3.16% ash. Morphological identification techniques revealed fourteen fungal species belonging to six fungal genera from which Aspergillus flavus was the leading contaminant. AFB1 analysis revealed that sixty-two percent samples were contaminated with AFB1. All the AFB1 positive samples contained AFB1 level more than 2 ppb and 12.9% samples contain AFB1 level more than 20 ppb, exceeded the maximum limit (ML) assigned by EU and USA (FDA & FAO) respectively. The results of the present studies reported that chickpea is a highly contaminated commodity in terms of fungi and AFB1 that's why further investigations and monitoring are required to reduce the fungal and AFB1 contamination. These baseline data are an initial step in the effort to deal with this significant food safety issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is one of the drought tolerant leguminous crops mostly cultivated in the arid region of Pakistan. Global warming is the main cause of changing rainfall pattern in the arid regions, which indirectly affecting the production of chickpea. ß-aminobutyric acid (BABA) is known as the drought mitigating agent mostly used for boosting the production of drought susceptible plants. For checking the effect of BABA on the growth, yield and quality traits of chickpea cultivars against drought stress, a field experiment was conducted at the research field of B.Z.U. Bahadur Sub-Campus Layyah, Pakistan (latitude-32°N, longitude-73°E and altitude-184 msl) during rabi seasons 2016-17. For this purpose chickpea cultivars (Noor 2013 and Bhakkar 2011) were tested under irrigated as well as rainfed condition. Different doses of BABA (Dry seed, Hydropriming, 1 mM, 2 mM and 3 mM) were applied by seed priming method. Findings of this research study elaborate that irrigated condition enhanced all the growth and yield traits as well as total protein contents but decrease the antioxidants in comparison to the rainfed condition. Noor 2013 performed best by increasing germination count, no. of pods plant-1, no. of seeds plant-1, harvest index, days to anthesis, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and total phenolic contents. Whereas, Bhakkar 2011 showed the highest performance for no. of primary branches per plant, biological yield, grain yield, thousand seed weight and total soluble protein. 2 mM of BABA is the best dose for all the growth and yield traits, while maximum antioxidant activity was found by the application of 3 mM of BABA. In short, cultivation of both chickpea cultivars should be promoted in irrigated areas. Priming with 2 and 3 mM of BABA is the best solution for minimizing the impact of moderate drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an annual plant that is found in temperate and semiarid areas of the world including Pakistan. Since Pakistan has a coastal belt that is home to different types of seaweeds, this study was conducted to observe the effects of seaweed Cystoseira indica on the germination rate of Desi and Kabuli chickpeas. Five concentrations of seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF), 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% were tested for both varieties of chickpeas. The germination percentage and initial lengths of plumules and radicles were observed daily. Results showed that germination started earlier than usual in all concentrations. Overall, Desi chickpeas responded well in lower concentrations of SLF (1% and 2%), whereas Kabuli chickpeas showed promising results in higher concentration (4%), and the difference between control and SLF was less. This study concludes that seaweed liquid extract of Cystoseira indica can be used for a better germination rate of chickpeas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study was carried across the field of 14 farmers of subdivision (tahseel) Hyderabad (rural), Sindh province of Pakistan during Rabi season, 2021-22 to evaluate the performance of the chickpea variety DG-92 as well as to find out the potency of a new chickpea belt in Sindh province of Pakistan. The field study was conducted in a three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD). Different fields of fourteen (14) farmers were taken as treatments, these were (T1 = Farmer 1, T2= Farmer 2, T3 = Farmer 3, T4 = Farmer 4, T5 = Farmer 5, T6 = Farmer 6, T7 = Farmer 7, T8= Farmer 8, T9 = Farmer 9, T10 = Farmer 10, T11 = Farmer 11, T12 = Farmer 12, T13 = Farmer 13 and T14= Farmer 14) and evaluated the performance of chickpea variety DG-92 for various agronomic traits over the fields. The results showed that the highest plant population m-2 (32.95) was recorded at farmer 4 and the lowest (22.89) at farmer 10. The maximum plant height (77.23 cm) was recorded at farmer 1 and the minimum (48.63 cm) at farmer 8. The maximum branches plant-1 (21.70) were recorded at farmer 1 and the minimum (7.37) at farmer 5. The maximum pods plant-1 (75.28) were recorded at farmer 3 and the lowest (30.30) at farmer 8. The maximum seeds plant-1 (152.37) were recorded at farmer 4 and the lowest (37.97) at farmer 8. The maximum seed weight plant-1 (25.40 g) was observed at farmer 4 and the minimum (6.74 g) at farmer 8. The maximum seed index (310.42 g) was recorded at Farmer 5 and the minimum (216.03) at farmer 8. The maximum seed yield (1713.7 kg ha -1) was observed at farmer 1 and the minimum (309,0kg ha-1) at farmer 7 and the maximum biological yield (5140.9 kg ha-1) was recorded at farmer 1 and the minimum (929.8 kg ha-1) at farmer 7. The findings suggest that that subdivision tahseel Hyderabad rural has the great potential to cultivate Chickpea (Gram) crop to add another major Pulse crop in the cropping pattern of the area during Rabi season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to introduce the new Chickpea cultivar Bittal-2022, an outcome of hybridization (90156 X 05014) followed by pedigree method of selection. This variety was tested in a series of trials on Research Stations throughout the chickpea growing areas of Pakistan. It out-yielded check variety Bittal-2016 in Station and Adaptation yield trials. In National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT), it surpassed check variety Bittal-2016 and stood 3rd during 2019- 20 whereas in 2020-21, it surpassed check variety by 7%. Its maximum yield potential of 3958 kg/ha was achieved in CYT (Co-operative Yield Trials) during 2018-19 at RARI, Bahawalpur. The cultivar Bittal-2022 produced an overall 10% higher yield than check varieties in different yield trials conducted from 2016-17 to 2020-21. This variety is suitable for mechanical harvesting and exhibited resistance to shattering at maturity. It is moderately resistant against Ascochyta blight & Fusarium wilt and exhibited tolerance against insect pests. In addition, this approved variety needs no special production technology and fit in a better way with the existing agronomic practices. So approved cultivar Bittal-2022 is suitable for both irrigated and rain-fed chickpea cultivated areas of the Punjab province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of seeds is a complex process linked to various molecular and biochemical changes that increase the nutritional value. This research has studied the impact of germination on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of five domestic staple legumes from Pakistan: chickpea, mung bean, soybean, lentil, and peanut. The maximum moisture content was recorded for chickpea, i.e., 11.7 ± 0.05 g 100 g−1 followed by lentil, soybean, peanut, and mung bean as 9.65 ± 0.02, 8.07 ± 0.01, 7.6 ± 0.01, and 7.31 ± 0.01 g 100 g−1, respectively. The overall augmentation in catalase activity during germination (days 1 to 4) was maximum for lentils, i.e., 76.22%, and ascorbate peroxidase activity for peanuts, i.e., 62.09%. The soybean showed a clear difference from the 1st to 4th days of germination for peroxide activity among all selected legumes with a 37.29% increase. A maximum change in superoxide dismutase was noticed in mung bean. The mung bean also had the highest variation in total flavonoid contents, while total phenolic contents were higher in the chickpea. The radical scavenging activity varied higher in peanuts, while the ascorbic acid content was maximum for soybeans. Among all selected legumes, non-germinated chickpeas showed a lower DPPH value, i.e., 1.15 ± 0.03%, whereas the highest DPPH value was observed in lentils (69.84 ± 0.05%). Thus, the incorporation of ready-to-eat (RTE) germinated legumes with high antioxidant activity would be a contemporary addition to the everyday meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is an important nodules producing pulse crop of Thal. To enhance nitrogen fixation for higher yield, the effect of bacterial strains on nodulation was evaluated for yield contributing traits of chickpea at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2019-20. Six Rhizobium inoculations i.e. Providencia vermicola, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus mojavensis, Mesorhizobium ciceri-11, Mesorhizobium ciceri-1 and Bacillus subtilis were tested on two chickpea genotypes i.e. Bhakkar-2011 and Thal-2020. A consortium of six bacterial strains was applied at the time of sowing as a seed coating on a sandy soil. Results showed a significant increase in height/plant, nodulation, 100 grain weight, pods/plant and grain yield (kg/ha) due to bacterial inoculation. Nodules/plant were also increased from 44.08 to 76.16. Maximum number of nodules plant-1 were counted as 76.16 with 2.59 g fresh and 0.64 g dry weight per plant in treatment combination viz. Thal-2020 × RP08+RS14+RZ11 thus showing the specific symbiotic relationship among the genotypes and Rhizobium inoculum. In comparison to the control, the PSB, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and rhizobium inoculum results were 52 % increase in pods/plant. The maximum number of pods/plant (116.00) and100 grain weight (27.73 g) were recorded in V1 × T1 (RP08+RS14+ RZ11). The weight of 100 grains was increased by 40% over the control. T1 had the highest 100 grain weight of 27.73 g, followed by V1 x T3 with a 100 grain weight of 26.22 g. PSB, nitrogen fixation bacteria and PSB inoculation substantially improved pulse crop 100 grain weight and yield. Thal-2020 had the highest grain yield of 3732 kg/ha, while V2 (Bhakkar-2011) had the lowest at 3516 kg/ha. Inoculation with rhizobium consortium improved grain yield by 30% (2617 to 3732 kg/ha). Hence, it was concluded that among all the treatments of Rhizobium consortium, N-fixing bacteria and PSB influenced a beneficial effect on chickpea grain yield quality and quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DRYLAND crop production is restraining due to severe effects of drought spells and natively derived resilient isolates can support crop yield enhancement under abiotic stress. This study elaborated for isolation, morpho-physiological, biochemical characterization and molecular identification of indigenous soil microbes from Thal desert of Pakistan and their application to elucidate the efficacy of desert isolates on yield of chickpeas growing on three farmer fields (Kakri, Adhi Kot and Jara) of native area. Isolates were identified through 16sRNA sequencing and used to formulate eight consortia with different combination. Four isolates (Bacillus subtilis RP-01, Enterobacter cloacae RP-08, Bacillus mojavensis RS-14 and Providencia vermicola RS-15) have ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Protease, catalase, ACCdeaminase and EPS, among, the two strains RP-01 and RP-08 were found phosphate solubilizer and others two isolates Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-11 and Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-22 were appeared as ammonia producing. The consortia in T7 showed highest grain yield (1201kg ha-1) followed by T2 (1126kg ha-1) at same location (Kakri) comparatively to other consortia and control (557kg ha-1). Similarly, T2 found most promising consortia regarding grain yield (1072.1kg ha-1 and 961.8kg ha-1) at locations Adhi Kot and Jara, respectively during the 1st year. However, T4 also performed with par to T2 and T7 consortium and same trend was seen in the next year field experiments. The present study confirmed that T2 (Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-11 + Bacillus subtilis RP-01 + Bacillus mojavensis RS-14), T4 (Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ-11 + Enterobacter cloacae RP-08 + Providencia vermicola RS-15) and T7 (Mesorhizobium ciceri RZ- 22 + Enterobacter cloacae RP-08 + Providencia vermicola RS-15) are promising consortia for chickpeas yield in Thal desert of Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume. In Pakistan, yield potential of chickpea is low due to the prevalence of Fusarium wilt. Present investigations were conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan during winter 2021. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) following three replications. Thirty chickpea genotypes were examined for their resistant levels against Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum ciceris (FOC). Six exhibited resistant response with <10% disease incidence and seven genotypes were moderately resistant (11-20% DI) against wilt pathogen. However, five genotypes recorded moderately susceptible response (21-29% DI) and five genotypes showed susceptible response (30-50% DI) moreover; the remaining seven genotypes expressed highly susceptible response with maximum percent disease index (PDI) (>50%). Maximum and minimum disease incidence was recorded on CH-32/10 (7.26%) and D-15024 (69.61%) genotypes, respectively. It is concluded that chickpea resistant genotypes including CH-32/10, TG-1410 identified in present study might be helpful in different breeding programs against wilting pathogen. Among six fungicides (Fosetyle aluminium, Derosal, Shinkar, Ridomil gold, Cabrio Top, Acrobate) Fosetyle aluminium caused maximum disease reduction (75.16%) at the concentration of 3 g/liter of water followed by Derosal carbendazim) (65.76), Shinkar (59.44), Ridomil gold (52.41), Cabrio Top (44.17) and acrobat (41.86) respectively on comparison to control. Results are also helpful for the farmers for timely management of fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low yield of chickpea in Pakistan is due to the existence of wilt and blight diseases. Screening of existing germplasm against diseases is pre requisite for crop improvement. Pathogens of wilt and blight diseases were isolated from diseased samples and inoculum was prepared. Forty one chickpea genotypes containing approved varieties, advance lines etc., were screened in blight and wilt inoculated nurseries under controlled conditions separately. The experiment was laid out under augmented design. The experiment was conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2019-2021. Data for each disease was collected according to respective disease scales. The scale (1-9) was used for recording the data. Out of total forty-one genotypes, only two varieties (Bittal-16 and Niab-16) were moderately resistant, sixteen genotypes were susceptible and the rest were highly susceptible to Ascochyta blight disease. The level of resistance in blight experiment was 3.27% while susceptibility level was 96.72%. In case of second experiment of chickpea wilt was sown in sick plot. For Fusarium wilt, four genotypes (TG 1708, TG 1710, TG 1712 & TG 1808) were found resistant, fifteen were moderately resistant, twelve were susceptible and the remaining were highly susceptible. The resistant level in this experiment was 6.5%, moderately resistant was 24.59% and remaining susceptible and highly susceptible was 73.77%. The genotypes showed resistance against Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt can be utilized in future breeding programs to develop high yielding disease resistant cultivars of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the study was to determine the suitable selection method for genetic improvement in chickpea. The current investigation was conducted at the research area of the Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Twelve chickpea genotypes were sown in RCBD following three replicates. Data regarding primary & secondary per plant, days for maturity, plant height as well as potential yield were recorded. The measured data were analyzed to principal component analysis (PCA), correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Analysis of variants revealed good variation among the accessions for the data recorded traits. Principal coefficient analysis differentiates all the traits into six PCs. Two components expressed more than one Eigenvalue which collectively contributed 80.12% towards the genetic variation. High positive loadings were expressed by the secondary branches per plant and pods per plant in all components. Path analysis revealed that secondary branches/plants expressed the highest direct positive effect (0.872) grain yield followed by the pods per plant (0.623). Analysis of correlation coefficient also confirmed the highest significant contribution of secondary branches per plant (91.57%) followed by pods (78.12%) and each plant's primary branches (64%). It was proved from the current experiment that Plants with secondary branches as well as pods may be focused on while assessing meaningful selection criteria for genetic improvement in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpeas are rich source of protein and predominantly grown in boron (B)-deficient sandy-loam soils in Pakistan. Boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) could tolerate higher B levels in soil and increase B availability to the plants. Field trials were conducted under irrigated (district Layyah) and rainfed (district Chakwal) conditions to evaluate the interactive effects of pre-optimized B application methods and BTB (Bacillus sp. MN54) on the nodule's population, grain quality, productivity, and grain-B concentration in desi chickpea during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. Boron was applied as soil application (1 kg B ha−1), foliar application (0.025% B), osmopriming (0.001% B), and seed coating (1.5 g B kg−1 seed) with or without BTB inoculation. Untreated seeds receiving no B through any of the methods were regarded as control. The individual and interactive effects (up to three-way interaction of location × BTB inoculation × B application methods) of year, location, B application methods and BTB inoculation significantly altered the growth and yield-related traits of desi chickpea. The four-way interaction of year × location × BTB inoculation × B application methods was non-significant for all recorded growth and yield-related traits. Regarding individual effects, the higher values of growth and yield-related traits were noted for 2020–2021, rainfed location, BTB inoculation and B application through seed priming. Similarly, in two-way interactions 2020–2021 with rainfed location and BTB inoculation, rainfed location with BTB inoculation and osmopriming and osmopriming with BTB inoculation recorded higher values of the growth and yield-related traits. Osmopriming combined with BTB inoculation significantly improved dry matter accumulation and leaf area index in both locations. Boron application through all the methods significantly improved grain quality, yield grain B concentration. The highest grain and biological yields, and nodules' population were recorded with osmopriming followed by soil application of B combined with BTB inoculation. The highest plant B concentration (75.05%) was recorded with foliar application of B followed by osmopriming (68.73%) combined with BTB inoculation. Moreover, the highest economic returns (USD 2068.5 ha−1) and benefit–cost ratio (3.7%) were recorded with osmopriming + BTB inoculation in 2020–2021 under rainfed conditions. Overall, B application through osmopriming and soil application combined with BTB inoculation could be used to increase productivity and profitability of desi chickpea, whereas foliar application is a better method to enhance grain and plant B concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei causes Ascochyta blight (AB) disease in chickpea which infects all aerial parts of the plant, which results in severe yield loss. In order to evaluate the effects of resistance inducers Bion® (acibenzolar-S-methyl), salicylic acid (SA), potassium hydroxide (KOH) and plant extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), datura (Datura metel L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), on the manganese zinc and copper contents of three chickpea cultivars 'C-44', 'Pb-91' and 'Bittle-98' to ascochyta blight disease an experiment was conducted in Pakistan during the year 2007-08. The data of minerals were taken by processing the tissue collected after 7th and 14th days and inoculation with spore's suspension of Ascochyta rabiei. Results revealed that the mineral contents increased significantly after the induction of resistance and upon inoculation with the pathogen after 14th day's time interval. This increase was more evident by the application of chemicals as compared to the plant extracts. Higher contents of manganese and zinc were recorded 14th days after treatment with (Bion®@ 1.2mM+ inoculation with A. rabiei) in all the cultivars. However, the copper contents significantly decreased in cultivar C-44 after treatment with salicylic acid, Bion® and neem while, it increased in all other treatments and cultivars. The over all results illustrated that resistance induction altered the mineral contents in all the three chickpea cultivars with more pronounced in C-44. In future study, molecular level research is required to get an insight into the resistance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second largest pulse crop cultivated worldwide. Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei is the major constraints to chickpea production across the continent including Pakistan. The pathogen Ascochyta rabiei is highly variable. Chickpea cultivars contain limited resistance to pathogen due to their potential for sexual recombination. Investigations were conducted for the identification resistant sources against A.rabiei. Sixty-six chickpea accessions and one susceptible variety were tested against A. rabiei. However, four accessions TG-1427, Star Channa, PARB913/CH03 and PARB913/CH02 showed resistant reaction, eight accessions moderately resistant reaction, eleven accessions developed moderately susceptible reaction whereas twenty two accessions recorded susceptible reaction, moreover remaining twenty one accessions exhibited highly susceptible reaction with maximum ratings = 9. Ten fungicides were tested against A. rabiei at three concentrations (3g, 5g and 7g/liter of water) on the susceptible cultivars (AUG-424). Application of Pyraclostrobin and Azoxystrobin proved most effective and expressed minimum disease incidence 8.37 and 10.97% respectively on comparison to control 77.31%. Results of the present investigation will help the farming community and researchers for timely management of A. blight. Resistant accessions that were identified in this study will be useful for developing blight resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the main pulse crops of Pakistan. The yield of chickpea is affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors. Due to their environmentally friendly nature, different nanoparticles are being synthesized and applied to economically important crops. In the present study, Trichoderma harzianum has been used as a stabilizing and reducing agent for the mycosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Before their application to control Fusarium wilt of chickpea, synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the average size (13 nm) of ZnO NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated their spherical structure, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the oxide formation of ZnO NPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) described the size and shape of nanoparticles, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy displayed the presence of reducing and stabilizing chemical compounds (alcohol, carboxylic acid, amines, and alkyl halide). Successfully characterized ZnO NPs exhibited significant mycelial growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum, in vitro. In a greenhouse pot experiment, the priming of chickpea seeds with ZnO NPs significantly increased the antioxidant activity of germinated plants and they displayed 90% less disease incidence than the control. Seed priming with ZnO NPs helped plants to accumulate higher quantities of sugars, phenol, total proteins, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to create resistance against wilt pathogen. These nanofungicides were produced in powder form and they can easily be transferred and used in the field to control Fusarium wilt of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remotely sensed data play an essential role in environmental analysis and crop management. The arid agriculture region of Thal, Pakistan, is the major chickpea-growing region of the world. It was important to analyze the chickpea growth rate and yield with modern growing technology for better production in the changing climate. This study compared unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Landsat imagery to monitor the crop growth and environmental parameters throughout the growing season. Twelve plots (2 × 2 m) were established in the field to monitor seven environmental parameters (plant height, number of pods and plant density, and final yield) for chickpea crop growth. A UAV drone mounted with Zenmuse X3 camera with four spectral was flown over the chickpea field on a biweekly basis to capture images with a spatial resolution of 1.86 m. The Landsat imagery (30 m spatial resolution) was also obtained, having the same UAV flight date. In spatio-temporal analysis, various vegetation indices, i.e., normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), were derived from UAV and Landsat imageries. The environmental impact parameters for crop growth were compared with the estimated final yield of chickpea crop. A coefficient of correlation (r2 = 0.67; p ≤ 0.05) between observed chickpea crop yield and UAV-derived SAVI was significant (p ≤ 0.05). In comparison, a non-significant coefficient (r2 = 0.21; p ≥ 0.05) was found between NDVI derived from Landsat imagery with yield. The chickpea crop yield was analyzed by estimating simple linear regression between NDVI and actual yield of chickpea crop during 30–40 days before the harvesting period. The average difference between actual yield and predicted yield through SAVI-D and NDVI-L was 558.42, 553.12, 556.84 kg/ha, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The production of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is negatively affected by boron (B) deficiency. In Pakistan, the crop grown under B deficiency produces grains with low B concentration. Application of B-tolerant bacteria (BTB) is a promising option to improve B supply to plants grown under B deficiency. Aims: This study was focused on determining the appropriate concentration of B for seed priming, and its effects with BTB inoculation on growth, productivity and grain B concentration of chickpea. Methods: Chickpea seeds were primed in aerated solutions of B concentrations in the range 0.01–0.5% (w/v), with hydroprimed and dry seeds as controls. Concentrations >0.1% proved toxic and seeds failed to germinate. Hence, B was further diluted to concentrations in the range 0.0001–0.1%. Pots containing chickpea seeds were divided into two sets having all B treatments. One set was inoculated with BTB (5 mL per pot of pure Bacillus sp. MN54 culture at 10 9 cfu mL−1); the other set was not inoculated. Key results: Seed priming with B along with BTB inoculation improved stand establishment, growth, nodulation, yield and grain B concentration of chickpea. Seed priming treatments with B at 0.001% and 0.0001% along with BTB inoculation were most effective for improving stand establishment, seedling growth and grain yield, whereas 0.1% B was more effective for improving grain B concentration. Conclusions: Seed priming with 0.001% B along with inoculation of Bacillus sp. MN54 improved seed germination, nodulation, yield and grain B concentration of chickpea under B-deficiency conditions. Implications: Seed inoculation with BTB i.e., Bacillus sp. MN54 coupled with seed priming in 0.001% B solution is a viable option to improve yield and grain B concentration of chickpea grown on B-deficient soils. Boron (B) deficiency is the leading constraint to chickpea productivity in Pakistan. Results of this study elucidated that B seed priming at lower rates (0.001% and 0.0001%) along with seed inoculation with B-tolerant bacteria (Bacillus sp. MN54) improved the productivity and grain-B biofortification of chickpea. Higher levels of B seed priming (>0.1% B solution) proved toxic, with no germination recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most significant crop grown in Pakistan. This crop is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. In developing countries, civilians are facing dietary protein shortage problems due to limited resources. Animals’ products, including beef, fish, meat and eggs are major sources of proteins which are too expensive to buy for the poor. In Pakistan, it is mostly cultivated in arid/semi-arid areas of the Thal region of Punjab province. These areas are totally dependent on rainfall for water requirements. Fortunately, chickpea is a drought tolerant crop but some biotic factors are also involved in low production of chickpea crop. Gram wilt disease is one of the major threats to this crop. Considering the current situation, it is necessary to develop sustainable management strategies. This study was planned with the aim of long-term management strategies against fungal pathogen associated with wilt disease including determination of resistant resources among the available genetic material, among three biocontrol agents Trichoderma harzianum showed maximum inhibition under in vitro and in vivo conditions and among ten chemicals, score showed maximum inhibition of Fusarium spp. which was followed by Topsin M and Baviston under in vitro and in vivo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is significant abiotic stress that severely limits global crop production. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume that plays a substantial role in nutritional food security, especially in the developing world. This study used a chickpea population collected from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Area (ICARDA) genebank using the focused identification of germplasm strategy. The germplasm included 186 genotypes with broad Asian and African origins and genotyped with 1856 DArTseq markers. We conducted phenotyping for salinity in the field (Arish, Sinai, Egypt) and greenhouse hydroponic experiments at 100 mM NaCl concentration. Based on the performance in both hydroponic and field experiments, we identified seven genotypes from Azerbaijan and Pakistan (IGs: 70782, 70430, 70764, 117703, 6057, 8447, and 70249) as potential sources for high salinity tolerance. Multi-trait genome-wide association analysis (mtGWAS) detected one locus on chromosome Ca4 at 10618070 bp associated with salinity tolerance under hydroponic and field conditions. In addition, we located another locus specific to the hydroponic system on chromosome Ca2 at 30537619 bp. Gene annotation analysis revealed the location of rs5825813 within the Embryogenesis-associated protein (EMB8-like), while the location of rs5825939 is within the Ribosomal Protein Large P0 (RPLP0). Utilizing such markers in practical breeding programs can effectively improve the adaptability of current chickpea cultivars in saline soil. Moreover, researchers can use our markers to facilitate the incorporation of new genes into commercial cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta blight (AB) caused by Ascohyta rabiei is considered as most disastrous and widespread fungal disease of chickpea across the world. Under favorable environmental conditions AB epidemics may cause partial to complete yield loss. Chickpea faces several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic factors chickpea blight is most important factor responsible for drastic decline in productivity. Other disease management approaches are not more efficient and economical except to exploit the host plant resistance mechanism. The present study for screening of 60 elite chickpea lines was carried out for two consecutive years during 2017-18 and 2018-19 under controlled environment at pulses research Institute Faisalabad, Pakistan. Favorable conditions for disease incidence were developed by maintaining the temperature between15-20 °C and humidity >70%. Test entries were inoculated equally by spraying fungal suspension during initial flowering and pod filling stages. Observations on disease incidence were recorded by employing 1-9 Disease Rating Scale. Result showed that no line was resistant whereas, only eight chickpea desi lines were found moderately resistant, three lines were tolerant, seventeen were moderately susceptible and the rest thirtytwo lines were found susceptible and highly susceptible. Identified moderately resistant lines (D-17001, D-17005, D-17008, D-17009, D-17011, D-17023, D-17024 and D-17032) may be included in chickpea breeding program for development of AB tolerant chickpea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained drought, uneven rain falls, progressively depleting soil moisture and predominant cultivation of chickpea under residual soil moisture condition are major causes of drastic decline in chickpea productivity in Pakistan. Systematic breeding efforts are required for evaluation of available genetic material to evolve drought tolerant chickpea cultivars for drought prone regions of the country. For this purpose, a research experiment was conducted in moisture stress (drought) and non-stress conditions (irrigated) at Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Pakistan during 2019-20. Mean performance of various traits revealed significant differences among all the included chickpea advance lines. Drought indices i.e. drought tolerance efficiency (DTE), drought susceptibility (DSI) and yield reduction percentage were calculated to identify the drought tolerant chickpea lines. Correlation analysis showed that the strains possessing higher number of pods plant-1, more root length and maximum grain weight were comparatively least susceptible to moisture stress along with higher yield potential. Results regarding drought indices also indicated that relatively higher DTE, less DSI and minimum yield reduction percentage were revealed by KK-10001, KK-10015, KK-10019 and Bhakkar-2011. Therefore, these advance lines possess best genetic constitution for moisture stress tolerance and may be utilized further for chickpea genetic improvement program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the existing perception of patient safety among health personnel in operating rooms of tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health Lahore. Period: July 2018 to December 2018. Material & Method: Participants were selected through proportionate simple random sampling. The WHO patient safety survey was used to assess perception of patient safety culture. Data was collected after taking consent. The data was entered in SPSS version 25 and analyzed by it. “Composite positive response rate” for the various dimensions were calculated. Reliability was checked by Cronabach alpha which was more than 0.7 (70%). Results: The overall response rate in the study was 100%. Average composite positive response percentage was 65.17% and it varied among different cadres of HCPs ranged from 51% to 88%. The dimensions “Personal attitude to Patient safety” and “Personal influence over safety” showed highest positive response among all cadres (88 % and 67 %) respectively. composite Positive percent response about patient safety culture varied among different cadres of health personnel, nurses showed highest positive response percentage of 71.2%. Conclusion: Safety culture assessment is a useful tool for evaluation of patient safety interventions, measuring organization’s safety culture and raising awareness. WHO patient safety study tool showed the average positive response rate of 65.17% but the dimension “Safety of health care system”, and “Error and patient safety” have least positive response which shifts the focus to organizational conditions that lead to adverse events and patient harm in healthcare organizations. The result also highlighted areas that required improvement, as perceived by health care workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) is most prevalent and affecting a large number of children in Pakistan. Ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a tackling strategy to overcome the PEM in Pakistan. The present research was designed to formulate RUTF from different indigenous sources. After conducting some preliminary trials, 14 RUTF formulations were developed by mixing peanut, mung bean, and chickpea alone as well as in various combinations with the addition of sugar, powdered milk, oil, and vitamin‐mineral premix. Freshly prepared RUTF was stored at room temperature (20 ± 5°C) and packed in aluminum foil for 90 days to investigate the microbiological analysis (total plate count and mold count), water activity (Aw), peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. All the parameters showed significant (p <.05) differences among peanut, chickpea, and mung bean‐based RUTF except water activity. The storage days and interaction between treatments and storage days also showed a significant (p <.05) effect on water activity, total plate count, mold count, peroxide value, and TBA of RUTF formulations. The present study revealed that the peanut, chickpea, and mung bean can be used in the formulation of RUTF due to their shelf stability and help to mitigate the PEM in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gesunde Pflanzen is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major food legume which ranks third in the world. Wilt and blight, two damaging diseases of chickpea, are prevalent in Pakistan, and this has resulted in a low output of the crop. Except for exploiting the host plant's resistance mechanism, the available control techniques are neither practicable nor cost-effective. To determine the sources of resistance in chickpea germplasm that is currently available.278chickpea genotypes (168 Desi and 110 Kabuli) originated from different springs were evaluated for disease resistance against Ascochyta rabiei in poly house and 102 different genotypes were screened for Fusarium oxysporum resistant sources in the sick field at Arid Zone Research Institute Bhakkar. Experiments were laid out following augmented design without replications during 2019-20 and highly susceptible check (AUG-424) was replicated as indicator for disease advent. The disease frequency was assessed twice at different growth stages and genotypes were categorized as per ICARDA rating scale (1-9). Ascochyta blight incidences revealed that39 lines displayed resistant (R) reaction and 12 had moderately resistant reaction (MR) in desi. However, 38 were found resistant and 26 genotypes were recorded as moderately resistant in kabuli chickpea, respectively. Similarly, 102 genotypes were sown in sick plot for screening against F. oxysporum, out of which only10 entries showed resistant and 21 moderately resistant reaction. The collected information was the most valuable to be used in breeding program for exploiting the genetic resistance and its direct use in severely blight and wilt hit areas may be preferred on the basis of resistance type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year (2018-19 and 2019-20) field trial was conducted at research area of Cereals and Pulses section, Agronomic Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan to appraise the effect of seed treatment and nutrient sources on yield and yield components of chickpea. Trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Treatments as included were (T1) NPK @ 32:85:0 kg/ha (recommended), (T2) seed treatment with PSB + recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer, (T3) farm yard manure @ 3.58 t/ha, (T4) seed treatment with PSB + farm yard manure @ 3.5 t/ha, (T5) FYM @ 3.5 t/ ha remaining P from SSP. Data regarding yield and yield contributing factors were recorded by using standard procedures and were analyzed statistically using fisher’s technique of analysis of variance and treatment means were compared by using least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% level of probability. The results revealed that seed inoculation in T2 significantly enhanced the yield by 17.55% (average of both years) over recommended NPK. Seed inoculation with PSB + FYM @ 3.5 t/ha (T3) enhanced the yield by 16.97% (average of both years). Seed treatment with PSB + recommended NPK resulted in significant increase in number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod and 100- seed weight by 11.58, 12.35 and 10.15%, respectively over recommended NPK. While seed treatment with PSB+FYM @ 3.5 t/ha resulted in 10.58, 13.36 and 7.87% increase in number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod and 100- seed weight, respectively over FYM @ 3.5 t/ha alone. However, application of FYM @ 3.5 t/ha and remaining P from SSP did not shown response as much as did PSB with synthetic and organic fertilizer source. It was found that seed treatment using PSB along with application of synthetic fertilizer or FYM at the time of sowing enhances yield and yield contributing factors of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GUAR is a drought tolerant, summer annual legume, well adapted to arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan. Guar gum is important product which is obtained from guar seed and has worldwide uses in different industries. Therefore, there is a dire need of evolution of new high yielding, short duration and early maturing varieties of guar. Keeping in view the above facts, Agricultural Research Station, Bahawalpur is conducting research to develop new varieties. The present newly developed variety BR-21 (strain name S-5823) is high yielding, short duration, non-hairy with a wider range of adaptability. Yield data (grain yield) were collected from the guar varietal performance trials conducted over eight consecutive years (2011-2020). This strain performed better when evaluated/tested in 7 different yield performance trails including commercial variety as a check from year 2013-2018. The BR-21 also performed excellent in the agronomic trials (Sowing date, fertilizer requirement, row spacing, and irrigation levels) compared to check variety in different years of study. Finally, it is concluded that BR-21 is a non-hairy and very easy to harvest than previous guar varieties. It contains high gum contents (34.9%) than check variety. It is high yielder, early maturing and requires very low inputs. It is comparatively resistant to insect pests and diseases. It is short duration variety, therefore, wheat, raya, chickpea and other Rabi crops can be sown well in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the largest grown legume crops, especially in desert areas. Along with an excellent source of nutrition, chickpea seeds have discernible medicinal and antioxidant characteristics. The diverse set of 90 chickpea genotypes (66 desi and 24 kabuli) were collected from different research zones in Pakistan, and seed flour was used for biochemical profiling. Genotypes were significantly different (Tukey HSD test, P < 0.05) for the traits under investigation. In non-enzymatic antioxidants, highest seed total phenolic contents (TPC) (34725 ± 275 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-98 (desi), ascorbic acid (AsA) (69.23 ± 2.25 μg/g s. wt.) in WH-3 (desi), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (394.98 ± 13.06 μg/mL sample) was detected in WH-11 (desi). In the class of enzymatic antioxidants, the highest seed ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (1680 ± 40 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in Tamman-2013 (kabuli), peroxidases (POD) (2564.10 ± 233.10 Units/g s. wt.) activity in CM1235/08 (desi), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (279.76 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in CH24/11 (desi). Highest seed catalase activity (CAT) (893 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) and proline content (272.50 ± 20.82 μg/g s. wt.) was detected in an ICC-4951 (desi). In hydrolytic enzymes, the highest activity of esterase (37.05 μM/min/g s. wt) was found in, CH56/09(Kabuli), protease (11080 ± 10 Units/g s. wt.) in Karak-2 (desi), and α-amylase (213.02 ± 3.20 mg/g s. wt.) was observed in CH74/08 (kabuli). In other biochemical parameters, the highest seed total oxidant status (TOS) (356 ± 17.50 μM/g s. wt.) was detected in CM3457/91 (desi); malondialdehyde (MDA) content (295.74 ± 3.097 uM/g s. wt.) was observed in CM-2008 (kabuli), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (8.36 ± 0.082 μM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-72 (desi). In case of pigment analysis, Sheenghar-2000 (desi) depicted highest lycopene (12.579 ± 0.313 μg/g s. wt.) and total carotenoids (58.430.23 ± 0.569 μg/g s. wt.) contents. For seed therapeutic potential, the highest seed α-amylase inhibition (82.33 ± 8.06%) was observed in CM-88 (desi), while WH-1, WH-6, and ICCV-96030 (desi) depicted the highest value for seed anti-inflammatory potential (78.88 ± 0.55%). Genotypes with the highest antioxidant and therapeutic potential can be utilized as a natural antioxidant source and in breeding programs aimed at improving these traits in new breeding lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition is a widely prevalent in its various forms in Pakistani. Among the vulnerable segments of population, the children are adversely affected from protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiencies leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Amongst globally practiced malnutrition tackling strategies, use of locally developed ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) is gaining popularity due to cost-effectiveness, efficacy, convenience, and wider acceptability among the malnourished children. The objective of the current study was development of RUTF formulations using locally grown legumes i.e. peanut, chickpea and mungbean followed by its nutritional quality and hedonic acceptance. After conducting some preliminary trials, fourteen formulations of RUTF were developed by mixing chickpea, mung bean and peanut alone as well as in various combinations along with other ingredients. After optimization, the calorific value of developed formulations was ranged from 502-535 Kcal/100 g which is within the standard specification reported by WHO and health department in Pakistan. The chemical composition of the RUTF showed varied ranges of moisture content (2.68-5.33%), crude protein (12.87-15.02%), crude fat (23.21-44.56%), crude fiber (1.10-1.97%), ash (1.66-2.29%), nitrogen free extract (34.65-55.21%), minerals (mg/100 g) like Na (15.0-24.0), Ca (81.60-139.0), P (320.4-362.0), K (705.0-1246), Fe (2.6-6.1), Mg (125.6-189.0) and Zn (1.80-3.4). The results of sensory evaluation showed variations in sensory scores with respect to appearance (6.16-7.89), flavor (6.12-7.96), texture (5.80-7.48), mouthfeel (6.20-7.68), smoothness (5.68-7.69), and over all acceptability (5.88-7.78). Overall, 100% chickpea-based RUTF got maximum appreciation from the panelist as apparent from the higher scores for appearance (7.89), flavor (7.96), texture (7.48), mouthfeel (7.68), smoothness (7.69), and over all acceptability (7.78) followed by RUTF prepared with 80% chickpea and 20% mung bean and RUTF containing 40% chickpea and 60% mung bean. It is concluded from the current study that RUTF can successfully be manufactured using locally available ingredients with added benefits of cost effectiveness, better acceptability, and availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During storage of pulses especially chickpea, lentil and mung bean, Callosobruchus chinensis causes severe infestation. The present experiments were performed to assess the efficacy of Anisopteromalus calandrae, and diatomaceous earth (Silico Sec®) against C. chinensis population at Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Instiute, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2019. Three doses of diatomaceous earth (200, 400 and 600 ppm) were used as a top-dressing separately on three diets i.e. mung bean, chickpea & lentil), To analyze the parasitism efficiency, A. calandrae male and female adults (5, 10 and 15 pairs) were released. Data regarding mortality percentage of C. chinensis and parasitism by A. calandrae were recorded after regular interval of treatment application. Results revealed that highest concentration (600ppm) of DE application in combination with 15 pairs of A. calandrae showed highest mean mortality (88.64%) after 20 days on mung bean. However on chickpea and lentil it was 75.15 and 81.81%, respectively, while at lowest concentration of 200 ppm, 5 pairs and 5 day exposure period mortality was 26.9, 11.71 and 25.08 using mung bean, chickpea and lentil, respectively. In case of separate alone application, highest mean % mortality by DE (600ppm) after 20 day time interval was 77, 64 and 75% by using mung bean, chickpea and lentil, respectively. By A. calandrae 15 pairs and 20 days mean % mortality was 42, 26 and 47% on mung bean, chickpea and lentil, respectively. Results depicted that mean % of mortality effects of both were dose as well as time dependent. Hence, bio-control agents can be safe and potential tools for the effective control of stored commodities insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variability and heritability studies were carried out during 2017-2018 for earliness, phonological and yield related parameters in desi Cicer arietinum L. genotypes at Agriculture Research Institute, D. I. Khan, Pakistan. Sixteen chickpea genotypes including 14 accessions along with 2 check varieties (Bhak-kar-2011 and Bittle-2016) were grown and evaluated according to (RCB) design in three blocks. High variation were noted in the chickpea germplasms in days to germination, days to 50% flowering, seeds per pod, 1st branches plant-1, 2ndry branches plant-1, plant height, hundred grain weight and grain yield plant-1. Overall, chickpea accessions CH30/12, CH10/12, CH44/12, CH14/12, and CH11/12 performed well, and recorded with maximum values for grains pod-1, hundred seed weight along with other contributing parameters. Values for phenotypic found greater than gcv which depicted primary presence of environment in the performance of chickpea genotypes for the said parameters. Overall, the gcv and pcv were low to moderate for majority of the parameters. Highest amount of gcv and pcv were recorded for seed yield per plant (30.48 and 32.00%) and secondary branches per plant (20.47 and 24.29%), respectively. High broad sense heritability and genetic gain values were also noted in seed yield plant-1 and 2subndry branches plant-1 ranging from 71 to 91% and 36.00 to 60.00%, respectively. Therefore, the above promising accessions have greater genetic variability and sufficient information in further breeding programs to introduce ideotype chickpea genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a severe constraint for chickpea productivity across the globe. In Pakistan, it is primarily cultivated in drought-prone regions and marginal lands where moisture stress is a major limiting factor for chickpea production. In order to identify drought resilient chickpea genotypes, a field experiment consisting of 16 elite genotypes was carried out in two environments i.e. under moisture stress and non-stress environment following randomized complete block design at Gram Breeding Research Station, Kallurkot, Punjab, Pakistan during rabi season of 2018-19. Under moisture stress conditions, highly significant positive correlation was exhibited by drought tolerance efficiency (DTE) with final grain yield followed by seed weight (SW) and pods plant-1(NPP), while significant negative correlation was expressed by drought susceptibility index (DSI) to grain yield. Study of drought indices revealed that the highest DTE was presented by Punjab-2008 (84.13) followed by CH12/12, D-16004, CH-09/12, TG-1218 and TG-1221 (83.84, 80.10, 72.27, 69.93 and 69.31% respectively) coupled with least DSI (0.39, 0.40, 0.49, 0.69, 0.75 and 0.76 respectively). Results indicated that the genotypes Punjab-2008, CH12/12, D-16004, CH-09/12, TG-1218 and TG-1221 possess high drought tolerance and higher yield potential under moisture stress environment. Therefore, these genotypes may be included in chickpea breeding program for development of stress tolerant varieties for drought prone areas of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of new crop varieties with desirable traits is a continuous process. A crop variety becomes susceptible to various biotic and abiotic plant stresses with the passage of time, thus, necessitating replacement by genotypes possessing better productivity potential and inbuilt tolerance against different stresses. In this perspective, this article reports the progress of a new chickpea kabuli variety "Noor-2013" developed through conventional plant breeding techniques and possesses improved yield potential, extra bold seed size and ability to tolerate different diseases. In 1999-00, two local genotypes, K-96033 (female parent) and K-92029 (male parent) were crossed to create genetic variability for grain size by selecting high yielding recombinants with bold grains. For this purpose, from filial generation one (F1) seed, an F2 population was raised and 299 single plant selections (SPS) were made which were advanced to subsequent generations (F3 to F5) over the years in plant-to-row progenies using the pedigree method of plant selection. Only high yielding recombinants with bold grains were advanced to the next generations. Finally, a promising uniform line "K-60062" later named as "Noor-2013" with pedigree C.19/19/19/109/148/161/62 was selected from F6 recombinants during 2005-06. Later, this line was evaluated for yield potential, and disease reaction during 2006-2013. On an average in different yield trials (station, adaptation and national), this strain produced 32.3% higher yield in comparison to check varieties/standards (Punjab-Noor, CM-2008, CM-2000 and Noor-91). In this process, the candidate variety "Noor-13" achieved a potential yield of 3282 kg ha-1 in national uniform yield trials (NUYTs) during 2010-11 conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. The grains of this new variety is beige in colour, ram-headed with the 100-grain weight of 34 g. Wider-canopy spread with semi-erect to semi-spread growth habit, bold grains, higher grain yield, resistance to fusarium oxysporum and moderately resistance to ascochyta rabiei are its salient characteristics. This article concludes that the art of conventional plant breeding still leads the modern era of biotechnology in crop varietal development with desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a leading food legume primarily grown in marginal areas and consumed all over the world. However, its production is limited owing to zinc (Zn) deficiency in many chickpea-based cropping systems. This study was conducted over two years to evaluate the effect of Zn application through seed treatments on productivity and grain Zn biofortification of kabuli and desi chickpea types in Punjab, Pakistan. Pre-optimised doses of Zn were applied as (i) seed priming (0.001 m Zn) and (ii) seed coating (5 mg Zn kg–1 seed), using ZnSO4.7H2O (33% Zn). Hydropriming (soaking in water) and non-primed dry seeds were used as control treatments. Zinc seed treatments significantly improved leghemoglobin contents, nodulation, grain yield, grain Zn yield, grain bioavailable Zn, grain minerals and grain Zn concentration compared with control treatments in both chickpea types. During both years, kabuli chickpea receiving Zn seed coating had higher grain yield (2.22 and 2.73 t ha–1) and grain Zn yield (103 and 129 g ha–1) than kabuli receiving other treatments. Likewise, during both study years, maximum grain bioavailable Zn (4.58 and 4.55 mg Zn day–1) was recorded with Zn seed coating in both chickpea types. Kabuli chickpea had more grain bioavailable Zn than desi. With regard to seed treatments, desi chickpea was more responsive to Zn osmopriming, whereas kabuli was more responsive to Zn seed coating. In conclusion, Zn seed treatments, as seed priming and seed coating, are effective methods for improving the productivity, grain quality and Zn biofortification of both desi and kabuli chickpea. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the major causes of low chickpea productivity. This study concluded that Zn application, as seed priming and seed coating, is effective and economical for improving the productivity and grain quality, including Zn biofortification, of both desi and kabuli chickpea types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chickpea is one of the major legume crops being cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan. It is mainly grown on the marginal areas where, terminal drought stress is one of the serious threats to its productivity. For defining the appropriate selection criteria for screening drought tolerant chickpea genotypes, present study was conducted. Distinct chickpea germplasm was collected from different pulses breeding institutes of Pakistan and evaluated for drought tolerance at germination and early seedling stages, furthermore, at late vegetative growth stages physiochemical traits and multi-environment yield performance were also tested. Results: Chickpea genotypes under different environments, were significantly varied for different seedling traits, physio-chemical attributes and seed yield. Genotypes showing drought tolerance by performing better at an early seedling stages were not correspondingly high yielding. Screening for drought tolerance on seed yield basis is the most appropriate trait to develop the drought tolerant as well as high yielding chickpea genotypes. Results confirmed that traits of early growth stages were not reflecting the drought tolerance at terminal growth stages and also did not confer high yielding. NIAB-rain fed environment proved ideal in nature to screen the chickpea genotypes whereas, NIAB-lysimeter and Kalur Kot was least effective for selecting genotypes with high seed yield. Genotypes D0091–10, K010–10, D0085–10, K005–10, D0078–10, 08AG016, 08AG004, D0080–10, 09AG002, K002–10 and D0099–10 were high yielding and drought tolerant based on their performance across multiple hotspot environments. Conclusions: The selected genotypes are intended for further evaluation for varietal approval to recommend for general cultivation on farmer fields in drought hit areas of Pakistan. Among physio-biochemical traits, higher proline, glycine betain, RWC and CMS were reflecting the higher capability to tolerate the drought stress in chickpea. Drought sensitive genotypes (K0037–10, 2204, K0052–10, 09AG015, K0042–10, CM709/06, K0068–10, K004–10, K0026–10 and K0063–10) were also identified in present study which were resourceful asset for using as contrasting parents in hybridization programs. To our knowledge, this is first report using an integrated approach involving, physio-biochemical indices, and multi-environmental yield trials, for comparison, screening and selection of chickpea genotypes for drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unirrigated area under wheat crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan remains larger (55.6%) as compared to irrigated area (44.4%) for the last four decades. This study therefore analysed supply response of unirrigated wheat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 1981-2017. Data was obtained from Agricultural Statistics of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Development Statistics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan Meteorological Department, Peshawar. ADF and PP tests of stationarity suggested that three variables are stationary at level and four variables are stationary at first difference. Therefore, auto regressive distributed lags (ARDL) approach was used to model long and short run elasticities. AIC, HQ and FPE proposed 3 lags, therefore model was estimated up to 3 lags. Bound test confirmed the existence of long run relationship among the variables. ARDL results indicated that long and short run elasticities of unirrigated wheat production in response to wheat price were 0.447 and - 0.116, respectively and statistically significant. Long and short run elasticities due to chick pea price were - 0.19 and - 0.15, respectively and statistically significant. Long and short run elasticities in response to area under unirrigated wheat were 1.10 and 1.79, respectively and statistically insignificant. Elasticity of unirrigated wheat production in response to minimum temperature was 0.764 in the long run and 0.23 in the short run. Long and short run elasticities in response to seasonal rainfall were 0.60 and 0.34, respectively. It is recommended that government needs to devise appropriate policies about unirrigated land and use different methods to make it arable for wheat production. Government also needs to make large reservoirs in unirrigated areas in order to store rainfall water for irrigation of unirrigated land for higher wheat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For growth or development of pulses, biotic and abiotic environmental factors are more conspicuous under stress conditions. For the survival against abiotic stresses, salicylic acid (SA) is reported a universal remedy. At the Soil Bacteriology Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, a pot study was conducted to monitor the role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Salicylic acid in chickpea under salt stress. Eight treatments including control PGPR inoculation and Salicylic acid with their different combination were used. Results revealed that positive response of PGPR on productivity of chickpea but more enunciated response about grain yield was observed with the combined application of SA and PGPR compared to control. Growth parameters i.e root length, root mass, number of nodules and shoot mass were highly affected where SA was applied along with PGPR. From the study, it is proposed that under salt stress the combination of SA + PGPR can be a suitable practice for more production of chickpean Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delayed planting suppresses germination, growth and productivity of chickpea due to low temperature. Seed priming may improve the germination and growth of chickpea; however, no study has reported the effect of seed priming techniques on germination indices, growth and productivity of late-sown chickpea. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed priming in improving performance of late sown chickpea. Chickpea seeds were subjected to on-farm priming, hydropriming and osmopriming (CaCl2). In experiment I, seeds of chickpea cultivars Punjab-2008 and Thal-2006 were sown in soil filled pots. Seed priming improved crop stand establishment and seedling dry weight owing to priming-induced improvement in sugars' metabolism. In the second experiment, primed and untreated seeds of both chickpea cultivars were sown on Dec 03 and 18, and Jan 03 at Faisalabad and Multan, Pakistan during three growing seasons. Delay in planting decreased the germination indices, crop stand, growth and yield at both sites during all 3 years. Seed priming improved crop stand and growth of both chickpea cultivars resulting in increase in grain yield and net economic returns, and osmopriming was the most effective. Chickpea cultivars differed for yield and net economic returns and Punjab-2008 had better grain yield and economic returns compared to Thal-2006. Therefore, chickpea cultivar Punjab-2008 should be planted after osmopriming to harvest better yield and profitability from late sown chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important edible legume of Pakistan. Chickpea blight is a major yield reducing factor in Pakistan. Screening of chickpea advance lines was conducted under control conditions. Out of hundred advance lines, two advance lines were highly resistant, 2 resistant, 6 moderately resistant, 16 susceptible and 74 were found highly susceptible. Four fungicides Dew, Shelter, State and Nativo and three bio-pesticides Vampire, Biosal and Azadirechtin were tested against Ascochyta at different concentrations (500, 250 and 150 ppm) in lab. To evaluate the fungicides and bio-pesticides food poison technique was utilized. Results of the study revealed that Dew at all concentrations (150, 250 and 500 ppm) showed significant reduction in fungal colony diameter. Nativo presented significant reduction of colony at (500 ppm) concentrations while other fungicides Shelter and State did not affect at any concentration. The results of the field condition suggested, that Dew (150ml/acre), Nativo (65gm/acre) and Biopesticides product Azadirechtin (500ml/acre) found effective against disease while fungicide Shelter (600gm/acre), State (500gm/acre) and Bio-pesticide product Vampire (1000ml/acre) and Biosal (1000ml/acre) did not control the disease. This study could be helpful to control chickpea blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations under rainfed conditions of Punjab, Pakistan to assess nodulation, nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake by chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) in response to application of three rates [0, 40, and 80 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5ha−1)] of phosphorus and three rates (0, 15 and 30 kg S ha−1) of sulfur in different combinations. Effect of phosphorus application was nonsignificant while that of sulfur was significant on percent nitrogen derived from atmosphere. Both phosphorus and sulfur application resulted in increase in nitrogen fixation up to 38% and 33% over control, respectively. Nutrient uptake [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S)] increased significantly with the application of phosphorus and sulfur and correlated positively with nitrogen fixation. There is direct involvement of sulfur in the process of nitrogen fixation whereas effect of phosphorus on nitrogen fixation is indirect mainly through enhanced growth and dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to prepare supplemented biscuits which could be used as nutritive snacks for malnourished children. Biscuits were prepared by supplementing chickpea and oat in patent flour (fine flour) with different ratio (5%, 10%, 15% and 20 %). Biscuits with no supplementation were kept as control treatment. Chemical and sensory evaluation of supplemented biscuits was carried out. An increase in nutritive values have been observed with an increase in supplementation level. Proximate analysis shows that T7 and T8 get the highest values for protein, zinc and iron. Results of all treatments were in acceptable range regarding sensory evaluation. These results indicate that biscuits can be successfully supplemented with chickpea and oat. According to sensory evaluation, biscuits containing 20% chickpea and 15% oat were found to be the best among all treatments and could be a potential composition for preparing high energy biscuits for malnourished areas of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bhakkar-2011, a bold seeded, wilt resistant and high yielding variety of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), was developed from a cross between two genotypes (90243 x Paidar-91). The hybridization work was initiated at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during the year 1995-96 using pedigree method of selection. The segregating population was evaluated for desirable traits and advanced to F6 generation. The pure line was selected from F6 generation during 2001-02. It was tested in various station yield trials from 2002-03 to 2006-07 before moving to adaptability trials. It was then evaluated simultaneously in coordinated uniform yield trials and national uniform yield trials during the years 2008-09 and 2009-10. The variety produced 5.34-39.4 percent more seed yield in different yield trials over respective checks with a yield potential of 4000 kg per hectare. Its plant habit is semi-erect with 60-65 cm plant height. It has narrow leaves. Number of primary branches varies from 2-4 whereas secondary branches range from 11-15 depending upon abiotic and biotic factors. It takes 90-95 days to 50 percent flowering after sowing while flowering duration is 60-65 days. Number of pods per plant varies from 90-96 with 2-3 seeds per pod while pod shattering is absent. Its seed is bold in size having higher 1000-seed weight (276 g). It performs better at seed rate of 75 kg per hectare with 15 cm plant spacing and 32-84-0 kg NPK per hectare. With resistance bold seededness, high yield potential and suitability for both irrigated and rainfed conditions are major attributes of new chickpea variety Bhakkar-2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major abiotic constraint limiting the chickpea yield up to a greater level in Pakistan. The yield level remain very low under prolong moisture deficit conditions. A set of 40 chickpea lines including some approved varieties were assessed for drought tolerance under glasshouse conditions. The crop was given an artificial drought stress at pre-flowering stage for a period of 30 days and then re-irrigated regularly till harvesting. The observations were recorded on plant wilting-I, plant wilting-II, crop recovery percentage and grain yield. The results revealed a relatively divergent response of various chickpea lines/varieties for all the studied parameters. Genotypes SL-05-30 NCS950219 and F-97-112 C remained superior while observing plant wilting-I by scoring 1, 1.67 and 2.00 at 1-9 rating scale and produced higher yield of 18.43, 18.33 and 18.23 grams per plant respectively. The plant recovery response revealed that more than 50% of studied lines could not properly recover after termination of moisture stress suggesting that moisture stress at pre-flowering has usually lethal effect on chickpea plants. Kabuli type chickpea lines were more sensitive to moisture stress and high temperature and produced lower yields as compared to desi type chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted at two different locations (Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal and farmer's field in Talagang) in northern rainfed Punjab, Pakistan, to assess relative efficiency of two sources of sulfur (S) in enhancing nitrogen (N) fixation and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The treatments were four combinations of two levels of S (15 and 30 kg ha−1) from two sources [gypsum and ammonium sulfate (AS)] and a no-S control. Application of S significantly increased seed yield up to 12% and 14% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Response (kg seed yield kg−1 S) at economic optimum dose (EOD) was greater for AS than for gypsum. Sulfur application enhanced the S uptake at both locations significantly. Sulfur harvest index and S economic yield efficiency ratio were greater at Talagang than at Chakwal. Sulfur application resulted increases in N uptake by 19% and 20% and N fixation by up to 19% and 30% at Chakwal and Talagang, respectively. Ammonium sulfate was more effective in increasing N fixation and uptake as compared to gypsum at Chakwal, whereas the difference between the two sources was nonsignificant at Talagang. Thus, it can be concluded that S should be applied to chickpea crop to enhance yield and improve soil fertility status as result of greater amount of N fixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]