Document Type : Scientific - Research
Authors
1
Department of Agrotechnology , Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, Mahabad, Iran
2
Department of Crop Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran. Iran
Abstract
Introduction:
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a cool-season legume, plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture and human nutrition due to its high protein content and nitrogen-fixing capacity. It contributes to crop rotation systems by suppressing weeds, reducing soil-borne diseases, and enhancing soil fertility. In regions with heavy-textured soils and high water-holding capacity, chickpea is typically sown in late autumn or early winter when soil moisture is adequate. Cultivated in over 56 countries, chickpea is often grown in semi-arid to arid environments, where abiotic stresses such as drought and cold limit its productivity. Its reproductive phase is especially sensitive to environmental stressors, making sowing date a crucial determinant of yield performance. Early sowing may extend the growth period and improve biomass accumulation, whereas late sowing can expose the crop to terminal drought. This study aimed to identify the optimal genotypes and planting dates for maximizing growth and yield under the cold and dry conditions of northwestern Iran.
Materials and Methods:
The experiment was conducted during the 2019–2020 cropping season in Khusheh Darreh village, Saqqez County, Kurdistan Province, Iran (36°22′N, 46°34′E; 1502 m a.s.l.). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed, evaluating five chickpea genotypes—including ‘Adel’ and ‘Mansour’—across five sowing dates: December 6, February 11, March 10, April 29, and May 22. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) for analysis of physical and chemical properties, and average climatic data were recorded. Morphological traits such as plant height, number of secondary branches, and number of pods, along with physiological indices including green emergence percentage, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index, were measured.
Results and Discussion:
Sowing date and genotype significantly affected all measured traits. The highest green emergence (82%) was recorded for the April 29 sowing date, whereas sowing in early December resulted in lower emergence due to cold stress. Late May sowing led to poor establishment caused by water stress. The February 11 sowing date produced the highest grain yield (652 kg/ha) and harvest index (48%), attributed to an optimal combination of growing season duration and favorable environmental conditions. Genotypic differences were evident, with ‘Adel’ and ‘Mansour’ performing best under early sowing conditions, reflecting their superior tolerance to cold and extended vegetative growth. Late sowing restricted plant development and yield due to a shortened growth period and terminal drought. Early sowing (in the absence of frost damage) allowed for prolonged growth, improved utilization of light and moisture, and more effective resource allocation, enhancing both vegetative and reproductive traits. Pod number and seed number were identified as key determinants of yield, consistent with previous findings. Environmental stress during flowering and pod development stages resulted in an increased number of empty pods and reduced seed weight, highlighting the importance of aligning crop phenology with climatic conditions. The study also confirmed that Desi-type chickpeas exhibit greater resilience to abiotic stresses compared to Kabuli types. Tailoring sowing dates to genotype-specific growth patterns and climatic forecasts is essential for sustainable chickpea production in cold and water-limited regions.
Conclusion:
This research emphasizes the critical role of sowing date in optimizing chickpea performance under cold, dry agro-climatic conditions. Among the treatments, sowing on February 11 combined with genotypes such as ‘Adel’ and ‘Mansour’ resulted in superior growth and yield. The findings highlight the importance of location-specific agronomic planning that integrates genotype selection with optimal sowing time. These results offer practical recommendations for enhancing chickpea productivity in highland areas prone to cold and drought stress. Future research should investigate the physiological mechanisms behind genotype responses and explore integrated crop management strategies for further yield stabilization.
Acknowledgements:
The authors thank the Agricultural Research Station of Kurdistan Province for providing the research site and technical support. Special appreciation is extended to the local farmers of Saqqez for their cooperation and logistical assistance during the fieldwork.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)
Send comment about this article