A large number of putative rhizobial isolates were obtained from the root nodules of various chickpea cultivars growing in agricultural research fields. Of these, thirty were selected and characterized for traits, such as, generation time, intrinsic azide resistance and several symbiotic characters.

ABSTRACT Development of 108 epidemics of Fusarium wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris were studied on cvs. P-2245 and PV-61 in field microplots artificially infested with races 0 and 5 of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in 1986 to 1989. Disease progression data were fitted to the Richards model using nonlinear regression. The shape parameter was influenced primarily by date...

In the present study factors responsible for low seed biomass in wild Cicer species has been investigated. Cicer judaicum and chickpea cultivar PBG-1 were investigated to compare activities of some enzymes involved in carbon metabolism in podwall and seeds during crop development. Seed filling duration in wild species was about 15 days shorter than that of cultivated varieties due to rapid loss...

Eighty-one cultivars from 12 field crop species were assessed for suitability as hosts to the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus neglectus, in two field trials. Host status was assessed on the basis of either final P. neglectus densities in soil or multiplication rate under different crops. Both techniques gave consistent results for crop and cultivar ranking, and it was therefore concluded tha...

Staple food fortification is a rational and economic way to improve the health status of poor income consumers. Lutein is an important antioxidant, and its intake is associated with lower risk of macular degeneration (blindness). We studied the scope to improve lutein concentration in chickpea grains by routine farming practices including tillage, and phosphorus and potassium fertilization. In ...

AIMS This study explores nontarget effects of fungicide application on field-grown chickpea. METHODS AND RESULTS Molecular methods were used to test the effects of foliar application of fungicide on the diversity and distribution of nifH genes associated with two chickpea cultivars and their nodulation. Treatments were replicated four times in a split-plot design in the field, in 2008 and 200...

This study investigated oxidative stress and the antioxidant response to boron (B) of chickpea cultivars differing in their tolerance to drought. Three-week-old chickpea seedlings were subjected to 0.05 (control), 1.6 or 6.4 mm B in the form of boric acid (H(3)BO(3)) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, shoot length, dry weight, chlorophyll fluorescence, B concentration, malondialdeh...

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Meloidogyne javanica are important pathogens of chickpea. Interrelationships between Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and M. javanica were investigated on 53 Fusarium wilt-resistant chickpea genotypes in pot experiments. All of the genotypes were susceptible to M. javanica. Fusarium wilt resistance in one genotype (ICC 12275) was ineffective in the presence ...