Physicochemical Attributes, Phenolics and Proline Content in Ninety Desi and Kabuli Chickpea Genotypes from Different Geographical Locations

Ninety (58 desi and 32 kabuli) national and international chickpea genotypes were screened for physicochemical traits (seed weight, seed volume, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index) and antioxidants (viz. phenolics and proline) from diverse geographical locations. Significant variation in physicochemical attributes was observed among different chickpea genotypes. The higher range of 100-seed weight was observed in international desi and ICARDA kabuli genotypes. In comparison to desi genotypes, hydration capacity, hydration index and swelling capacity were more in kabuli genotypes which might indicate better cooking quality of these genotypes. The content of odihydroxy phenols were more in desi than in kabuli genotypes whereas the highest and lowest mean content of flavanols was observed in the international kabuli and ICARDA desi genotypes, respectively. The mean value of proline was higher in desi and kabuli ICARDA genotypes. The genotypes with higher antioxidants could contribute in prevention of certain disease caused due to free radicals. Results obtained provide information that may be useful for the development of highquality chickpea cultivars from consumer point of view to national and international breeders interested in ICARDA and ICRISAT genetic resources.