Chickpea and lentil show little genetic variation in emergence ability and rate from deep sowing, but small-sized seed produces less vigorous seedlings

Context Germination and emergence are key to successful annual crop establishment. Emergence rate depends on germination rate, sowing depth, of pre-emergent shoot elongation. The at which a grows prior emerging from the soil becomes significant when crops such as chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) deep sown utilise moisture below conventional zone. Aims In seeds contrasting size, we aimed compare ability chickpera varieties emerge sowing. Here describe genetic variation for epicotyl growth phenotypic root rates biomass partitioning, lentil, they relate seed size. We further assess impact type emergence, establishment yield two species. Methods Epicotyl elongation rates, seedling partitioning were determined in controlled environment studies, using tubes. Field trials conducted different types depths. Key results Most variance could be attributed species rather than variety. Although was faster higher those lentils unrelated whereas weakly correlated size (r = 0.31). Root development diameter appeared traded maintenance smaller both field, depth did not affect or chickpeas either site. Deeper resulted minor reductions one site, although affected. Conclusions unaffected by (to least 200 mm) under sandy field conditions. There minimal measured parameters within Seed little importance rate; however, small maintained reducing vigour. Implications should considered order maintain high Further work is needed understand how environmental factors influence depth.