How to accelerate the genetic improvement of a recalcitrant crop species such as chickpea

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) has shown little polymorphism in isozyme and RFLP studies which may be an indication of limited genetic variation. Seeds of the short duration, desi type cv. Chafa were treated with ethyl methanesulfonate at 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.60% for 2, 3, 4 and 6 h. Germination was normal, ranging from 85 to 91% and seeds harvested from the M1 were advanced to the M2. The 0.10% and 4 h treatment gave the highest number of mutations. Mutations produced were pale-green foliage, prostrate habit, entire leaflet margin, acuminate leaflet shape, narrow leaflets, brachytic leaves, large leaves, fewer leaflets, rectangular vexillum, open flowers, dwarfing, thick stems, upright canopy, flattened pods, twin pods, large pods, glabrous stems and increased seed yield. Similar results were obtained using colchicine at 0.25% for 4 h. A mutant of cv. Annigeri was subsequently identified as wilt resistant and twin podded. Development of several released varieties resulting from γ-irradiation are briefly considered