Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Mariana CALARA, Creola BREZEANU, Claudia BĂLĂIŢĂ, Carmina Mihaela BENCHEA, Petre Marian BREZEANU, Dan Ioan AVASILOAIEI
This study aimed to evaluate the performance and morphological variability of ten chickpea (Cicer arietinum) lines, utilizing biological material from the Vegetable Research and Development Station Bacău. Data collection included key phenological and agronomic parameters: germination days and rate, days to first flowering, 50% and 100% flowering, and pod maturity stages (50% and 90%). Morphological traits assessed included flower colour, number of flowers per peduncle, plant growth habit, pigmentation, leaf type, leaflet count, and plant height. Additionally, yield-related traits such as pod insertion height, number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, total seeds per plant, seed mass per plant, seed shape, surface texture, and colour were evaluated. Results highlighted significant variability among the lines in flowering time and pod maturity, with L4 showing early, synchronized flowering and L6 exhibiting the longest flowering period. Pod maturity analysis showed that most lines reached 50% maturity between 115-119 days, indicating a consistent development rate. This comprehensive evaluation provides valuable insights into chickpea genetic diversity, supporting future breeding programs, with phenotyping playing a key role in understanding the genetic potential and adaptability of the accessions.
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