Genotypic variation and relationship of specific leaf weight with photosynthesis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L)

In a field trial leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) and specific leaf weight (SLW) were recorded at different growth stages of chickpea (Cieer arietinum). The eoefficient of variation in Pn and SLW was as high as 43 and 23 per cent at pod filling stage, respectively. A significant positive correlation between these two parameters was observed. SLW can thus be a useful tool to evaluate large number of genotypes for leaf photosynthetic rate at pod filling stage.