Characterization of Chickpea Germplasm for Nodulation and Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation on Nodules Number and Seed Yield

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm, collected from diverse research centers of the world were characterized for nodulation (Nod+ or Nod-) and evaluated for response to seed inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum in terms of number of nodules plant-1 and seed yield plant-1. Forty three genotypes, procured from Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Peshawar, Gram Research Station (GRS) Karak and International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), Syria, showed nodulation (Nod+) while four genotypes, received from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India failed to produce any nodule (Nod-). Pooled analysis of variance for both the traits revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, interaction of genotypes with treatment and also between treatments (inoculated and un-inoculated/control). Inoculated genotypes exceeded control in treatment means both for nodules plant-1 (10.86 and 7.86) and seed yield plant-1 (15.1 g and 10.0 g). High heritability estimates for nodules plant-1 (53.2) and seed yield plant-1 (77.0) as well as low level of differences among PCV and GCV of both the traits showed that genotypes played more influential role in the expression of these characters. It is concluded that the studied germplasm could be successfully utilized in future breeding programs. Furthermore, Genotypes Karak-3 is recommended for general cultivation and NDC 5-S10 for crop rotation programs.