Genotypic Variation Studies in Biomass Partitioning Patterns during Post-flowering Stages under the Late Sown Conditions of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm

Abstract

This study conducted during the 2021-2022 year under field conditions investigates the genotypic variation in biomass partitioning among different chickpea genotypes during post-flowering stages, with a specific emphasis on late sown conditions. The main aim of the study was to elucidate the efficiency of resource allocation toward pod production, measured by the pod harvest index. This research enhances understanding of chickpea performance under delayed sowing conditions by examining genotypic variations in key parameters during critical post-flowering stages, specifically pod filling and seed filling. Biomass partitioning in branches and pods varied considerably during both growth stages, with branches playing a crucial role in pod development during pod filling. The transition from pod filling to seed filling stage resulted in increased biomass partitioning in pods, highlighting their importance as storage organs for seed development. Seed yield exhibited significant variability among genotypes, with some surpassing 2000 kg/ha, while pod harvest index ranged from 35.62% to 70.48%, indicating differences in resource allocation efficiency. Regression analysis showed varying degrees of association between biomass partitioning and pod harvest index, with seed yield and pod harvest index, biomass partitioning in pods exhibiting the highest explanatory power during seed filling. By studying the adaptation of plants towards biphasic and allometric allocation patterns during unfavorable conditions can result in developing the resource use efficient climate resilient varieties. These findings contribute to our understanding of crop productivity under varying environmental conditions and inform strategies for optimizing chickpea yield and resilience.