Drought Resistance Indices of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm

Abstract

Drought is a major and wide-spread reducer of production and quality in chickpea-growing regions. Identification and selection of drought resistant genotypes is possible by using of several indices. A total of 96 chickpea genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications under non-stress and stress conditions in Konya ecological conditions for two years (2010 and 2011 spring growing seasons). Several selection indices, such as stress drought susceptibility index, drought tolerance, average yield, decreasing ratio of yield, yield index, stress tolerance index, harmonic mean, geometric mean, yield-stress index were used to evaluation of the chickpea germplasm to drought. Results of the mentioned indices showed that “Cumra” could be considered superior beside Derebucak, Hadim, Aziziye, Ahirli and Canitez local genotypes together with 22261, 22213, 22243, ILC, 222147 and 22128 germplasm. These germplasm may be considered as promising genotypes for drought tolerance.