Evaluation of drought tolerance of chickpea hybrids (Cicer arietinum L.) in conditions of Akmola region

Abstract

Background and Objective. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) belongs to drought-resistant crops, but moisture deficit can significantly reduce its productivity. In this regard, the actual task is to develop drought-resistant varieties adapted to the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. The aim of this study is to evaluate chickpea hybrids for drought tolerance using laboratory and field methods.

            Materials and methods. Field trials were conducted in the conditions of Akmola region. To determine drought tolerance, methods of seed germination in sucrose solution, evaluation of plant survival after exposure to stress conditions, as well as calculation of drought tolerance index of hybrids were used.

            Results. According to the data of field trials, hybrids 18/3-1-1 and 18/3-1-2-2 were characterized by the greatest drought tolerance. Under conditions of osmotic stress caused by germination in sucrose solution, hybrids 36/3-3, 35-15 and 35-3 showed high resistance. Hybrid 18/3-1-1-1 proved to be the most resistant in the survival test, retaining viability and ability to recover after stress exposure.

            Conclusion. The obtained data can be used in further breeding programs and serve as a basis for the creation of a new drought-resistant chickpea variety adapted to the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan.