标题：Flower numbers, Pod production, Pollen viability are Reduced with Flower and Pod abortion increased in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Heat stress
摘要：In chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) the sowing time may vary in different locations depending on the temperatures experienced at different stages of crop development. It is well adapted within temperature range of 30/15oC (day maximum and night minimum) for optimum growth and pod filling. The crop often experiences abnormally high temperature (>35o C) and atmospheric heat stress during reproductive stage. A large number of germplasm were physiologically characterized for thermo tolerance and screening techniques developed based on flower drop %, and pollen fertility. The objective of this research is to study the effect of high temperature during pre- and post-anthesis stages of flower development on pollen viability, flower number, pod abortion, pollen tube growth and pod set. The plants were evaluated under two contrasting environments viz., normal and late planting. For which thirty promising genotypes were grown under three replications in RBD. High temperatures reduced pod set by reducing pollen viability and increased the flower drop percentage. Pollen from tolerant promising lines (ICC 3325 and JG 21) was fully viable at 35/20oC. The result obtained from present investigation suggested that selection for physiological traits such as pollen viability could not only improve the heat tolerance of chickpea but can also boost up the crop production under climate change, in addition to pod abortion, flower abortion is an important factor limiting yield in chickpea.
