Performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes at varying population densities under late sown conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 1992-93 and 1993-94 at Kanpur to find out the suitable genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for late planting (mid December) and their optimal population density. Among 4 genotypes, 'PBG 1' with mean yield of 2375 kg/ha was found to be most productive followed by 'KPG 59' and 'Radhey'. Lowest yield was recorded from 'H 82-2'. The genotypes did not differ significantly with respect to straw yield. The highest productivity of 'PBG 1' was primarily due to higher no. of pods/plant (31 pods/plant). Genotypes 'KPG 59' had significantly higher seed weight compared with the 'PBG 1 'and 'H 82-2'. The effect of population densities 33 plants/m² and 40 plants/m² do not differ significantly for yield as well as yield attributes. Hence genotypes did not show differential response to population density. Population density could not bring appreciable change for nodulation.