Evaluation of Exotic Germplasm of Kabuli Chickpea

The objective of the present study was to identify high yielding, large (>40g/100 seeds) and extra-large (>50g/100 seeds) germplasm accessions of Kabuli chickpea with resistance/tolerance against Fusarium wilt. Consequently, during rabi 2002–03, 150 exotic germplasm accessions belonging to diverse geographical regions were raised in augmented design and studied for phenological and agro-morphological traits. The results indicated high variability for traits, viz., yield/plant, pods/plant and 100 seed weight, respectively. While moderate variability was detected for plant height. 13 accessions found desirable for seed size were further studied during rabi 2003–04, for plant type, yield (kg/ha), 100 seed weight and seed coat characteristics. Four accessions, namely, ICC12033, ICC14199, ICCI4197 and ICCI4203 demonstrated high yield potential of >18q/ha. Their respective 100 seed weight was recorded as 60.2, 54.73, 58.31 and 46.16. Based on screening in wilt sick nursery, an accession ICC14199 displayed complete resistance whereas ICC14203 showed moderate resistance against Fusarium wilt (race 2). Efforts are underway to utilize the desirable accessions in Kabuli improvement.