Assimilate partitioning in response to irrigation in small and bold seeded chickpea varieties

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) var. Pusa 256 (bold seeded) and Pusa 261 (small seeded), raised under unirrigated and irrigated field conditions, were examined for Rubisco, soluble protein and N contents in the leaves in relation to yield and harvest index (HI). Bold seeded variety showed a lesser decrease in HI and greater mobilization of vegetative N compared to small seeded variety. Furthermore, higher soluble protein content in the leaves of deflowered plants mimicked a response similar to that of irrigation treatment. The present study, therefore, provided additional evidence in support of the observation that a decrease in HI under irrigated condition is due to suppression of flowering. A basis for selection of irrigation responsive varieties which would show less reduction in HI under irrigated condition was indicated.