Differences in seed vigour traits between desi (pigmented) and kabuli (non-pigmented) ecotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and its association with field emergence

Aim: Pigmented (desi) and non pigmented (kabuli) cultivars of chickpea are known to differ in seed vigour. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to understand the mechanisms for such vigour differences and to identify the important seed coat and seed related vigour traits that makes the coloured desi seeds more vigorous then unpigmented kabuli seeds. Methodology: Wenty two chickpea genotypes differing in seed coat colour were included in the experiment. Field emergence and electrical conductivity of seed leachate was used as vigour indicator. Hundred-seed weight, proportion of seed coat, laboratory germination, electrical conductivity, water imbibition pattern, tannin, lignin and total phenol content, presence or absence of air space between seed coat and cotyledon and status of hilum-micropylar region were studied to understand the mechanism for vigour differences between pigmented desi and unpigmented kabuli genotypes. Results: Despite a high laboratory germination (>89%) of all cultivars, unpigmented kabuli genotypes recorded low (39-69%) FE then pigmented desi genotypes (64-87%). Rapid rate of water imbibition (111.86- 145.09%), lower proportion of seed coat (4.76-6.78%), greater electrical conductivity of seed leachate (49-172 μS cm-1 g ), low content of lignin (0.74-2.41), tannin (0.18-1.09 μg mg ) and total phenol (1.66-5.58 μg mg ) was associated with low field emergence in unpigmented kabuli types. Besides, air space between seed coat and cotyledon, open hilum-micropylar region, less polyphenolic content and low proportion of seed coat potentially describe the rapid water uptake by unpigmented kabuli genotypes making them vulnerable to imbibitional damage. Interpretation: Rather than laboratory germination, electrical conductivity may be used as an indicator for determining field emergence in chickpea. Screening/ developing unpigmented kabuli genotypes with seeds having lower rate of water imbibition could be a promising way to enable seed vigour improvement in chickpea

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