1. Introduction to Chickpea

Overview of Chickpea Cultivation

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), also known as garbanzo bean, is one of the earliest cultivated legumes and is a staple food in many parts of the world. It’s valued for its high protein content and is used in various culinary dishes, especially in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. The crop is typically grown in arid and semi-arid regions, making it a crucial source of income for farmers in these areas.

Importance in Agriculture and Market Demand

Chickpea is the third most important pulse crop globally, following dry beans and peas. It plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The demand for chickpea has been rising due to its health benefits and versatility in food products. It’s also a significant crop for smallholder farmers, contributing to food security and economic stability.

 

Chickpea Growth Stage: Image Credits: saskpulse Click Here

2. Care

General Care Practices Throughout the Growth Stages

  • Seedling Stage: Ensure proper seed treatment to protect against soil-borne diseases. Adequate soil moisture is crucial during this stage.
  • Vegetative Stage: Regular monitoring for pests and diseases. Weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and sunlight.
  • Flowering Stage: This is a critical period where the plant’s water needs increase. Stress during this stage can significantly impact yield.
  • Pod Development Stage: Protect the crop from pests like pod borers. Adequate irrigation during this stage ensures good pod fill.
  • Maturity Stage: As the crop approaches maturity, reduce irrigation to avoid waterlogging and facilitate the drying of pods.

3. Soils and Climate

Ideal Soil Types for Chickpea

Chickpea thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should have good organic matter content to support healthy plant growth. Sandy loams are also suitable but may require more frequent irrigation. Heavy clay soils should be avoided as they can cause waterlogging, which is detrimental to chickpea growth.

Climate Requirements and Adaptations

Chickpea is a cool-season crop, preferring temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. It is relatively drought-tolerant but requires sufficient moisture during flowering and pod formation. Excessive rainfall or humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so areas with moderate rainfall are ideal. Chickpea can adapt to a variety of climatic conditions but performs best in regions with mild winters and low humidity.

4. Fertilization

Nutrient Requirements

  • Nitrogen (N): Chickpea fixes its own nitrogen through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria. However, a small starter dose of nitrogen (15-20 kg/ha) is often beneficial, particularly in nitrogen-deficient soils.
  • Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development and energy transfer. Recommended dosage is 40-60 kg P2O5 per hectare.
  • Potassium (K): Important for enzyme activation and water regulation. Application of 20-30 kg K2O per hectare is suggested if soil tests indicate a deficiency.
  • Micronutrients: Zinc, boron, and molybdenum are crucial. Zinc supports enzyme function, boron aids reproductive growth, and molybdenum is necessary for nitrogen fixation.

Best Practices for Fertilization

  • Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests before sowing to determine the nutrient status and pH. This helps in applying the correct type and amount of fertilizer.
  • Basal Application: Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as a basal dose before or during sowing. This ensures availability during the critical early growth stages.
  • Use of Biofertilizers: Incorporating Rhizobium inoculants and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can enhance nutrient uptake and improve crop health.
  • Foliar Feeding: In cases of micronutrient deficiencies during the growing season, foliar sprays can quickly correct the problem.

5. Plant Spacing

Optimal Spacing for Chickpea Plants

  • Row Spacing: 30 cm between rows.
  • Plant Spacing: 10 cm between plants within a row.

This spacing ensures adequate air circulation, which reduces the risk of disease and optimizes light and nutrient use. It also facilitates easier field operations like weeding and harvesting.

Effects on Yield and Disease Prevention

Proper spacing helps minimize competition among plants for resources, leading to better growth and higher yields. It also allows for better air flow, reducing the incidence of fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions.

6. New Trends in Population Density Management

Commercial Practices for Optimizing Plant Density

  • High-Density Planting: In some commercial operations, higher plant densities are used to maximize yield per hectare. However, this requires careful management of nutrients and water to avoid stress.
  • Precision Agriculture: The use of technology, such as GPS-guided seeders, allows for precise planting densities tailored to specific field conditions. This optimizes resource use and enhances yields.

Benefits and Challenges

  • Benefits: Higher plant densities can lead to increased yields and more efficient use of land. Precision planting reduces waste and improves crop uniformity.
  • Challenges: High-density planting can increase the risk of disease and pest outbreaks. It also requires more intensive management and monitoring.

7. Planting Date

Seasonal Considerations for Planting Chickpea

  • Winter Season Planting: In most regions, chickpea is planted during the winter season. The ideal planting time is when the temperature is around 20°C.
  • Early Planting: Early planting allows the crop to avoid late-season drought and heat stress, which can affect flowering and pod development.
  • Delayed Planting: While sometimes necessary due to climatic conditions, delayed planting can lead to reduced yields and higher susceptibility to diseases like Fusarium wilt.

Impact on Crop Development and Yield

Timely planting is crucial for chickpea as it allows the crop to develop during periods of optimal temperature and moisture. Early planting can lead to better root development, while delayed planting often results in lower yields due to shortened growing periods and increased disease pressure.

8. Varietal Choice

Popular Chickpea Varieties

  • Desi Chickpeas: Smaller, darker seeds with a rough coat. Varieties include ‘Annigeri 1’, ‘JAKI 9218’, and ‘BDN 9-3’.
  • Kabuli Chickpeas: Larger, lighter seeds with a smooth coat. Popular varieties include ‘Pusa 1053’, ‘Vijay’, and ‘KAK 2’.

Factors Influencing Variety Selection

  • Climate Adaptability: Choose varieties that are well-suited to the local climate. For example, drought-tolerant varieties are ideal for arid regions.
  • Disease Resistance: Varieties resistant to common diseases like Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt should be prioritized.
  • Market Demand: Grow varieties that are in high demand in the market to ensure profitability.

9. Planting

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Chickpea Seeds

  1. Seed Selection: Choose high-quality, certified seeds of a suitable variety.
  2. Land Preparation: Prepare a fine, firm seedbed with deep plowing and leveling.
  3. Seed Treatment: Treat seeds with fungicides and Rhizobium inoculants before sowing.
  4. Sowing Method: Sow seeds using a seed drill or manually at a depth of 5-7 cm.
  5. Irrigation: Provide light irrigation after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Techniques for Optimal Germination

  • Soil Moisture: Ensure the soil has adequate moisture at the time of sowing.
  • Temperature: Sow seeds when the soil temperature is around 15-20°C for optimal germination.
  • Seed Rate: Use a seed rate of 60-80 kg/ha, depending on the variety and planting conditions.

10. Mid-season Management

Tasks and Practices During the Growth Period

  • Irrigation: Provide irrigation at critical stages such as flowering and pod formation. Avoid waterlogging.
  • Fertilization: Apply top-dressing of phosphorus and potassium if needed. Monitor the crop for any nutrient deficiencies.
  • Pest and Disease Management: Regularly scout for pests and diseases. Use integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including biological controls and selective use of pesticides.

Pest and Disease Management Strategies

  • Ascochyta Blight: Use resistant varieties and fungicide sprays at the first sign of infection.
  • Pod Borer: Use pheromone traps and biological controls like Trichogramma to manage pod borers.
  • Fusarium Wilt: Implement crop rotation and use wilt-resistant varieties.

11. Weed Management

Common Weeds in Chickpea Fields

  • Broadleaf Weeds: Includes species like Chenopodium, Amaranthus, and Polygonum.
  • Grass Weeds: Such as Phalaris minor and Avena spp.
  • Sedges: Include species like Cyperus rotundus.

Control Methods and Herbicide Options

  • Pre-emergence Herbicides: Use pendimethalin or imazethapyr as pre-emergence herbicides to control early weed growth.
  • Post-emergence Herbicides: Apply selective herbicides like quizalofop for grass weed control.
  • Manual Weeding: Conduct hand weeding at 20-30 days after sowing, and repeat if necessary.

12. Yield Forecasting

Methods for Predicting Chickpea Yield

  • Crop Modeling: Use models like DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) that simulate chickpea growth and predict yield based on weather and management practices.
  • Remote Sensing: Employ satellite imagery and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) to assess crop health and estimate yield.
  • Field Sampling: Regularly sample plants from different parts of the field to assess pod number, seed size, and overall health.

Factors Affecting Yield and Accuracy

  • Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather events like drought, excessive rainfall, or frost can significantly impact yield.
  • Pest and Disease Pressure: High levels of pest or disease infestation can reduce yield and affect the accuracy of forecasts.
  • Management Practices: Proper irrigation, fertilization, and pest control are crucial for achieving the predicted yield.

13. Diseases and Solutions

Common Diseases:

  • Ascochyta Blight: This is one of the most destructive diseases affecting chickpea, caused by the fungus Ascochyta rabiei. It can cause significant yield losses, especially under cool and wet conditions.
  • Botrytis Gray Mold: Caused by Botrytis cinerea, this disease thrives in cool, moist environments and can cause severe losses, particularly during flowering.
  • Fusarium Wilt: This soil-borne disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum and leads to wilting of plants. It is more prevalent in dry conditions.
  • Dry Root Rot: This disease, caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola, affects the roots and leads to plant death, particularly under drought stress.
  • Collar Rot: Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, this disease affects seedlings, causing collar region rot and leading to plant death.

Disease Management Strategies:

  • Resistant Varieties: The use of disease-resistant chickpea varieties is one of the most effective management strategies.
  • Crop Rotation: Rotating chickpea with non-host crops can reduce the build-up of soil-borne pathogens.
  • Seed Treatment: Using fungicide-treated seeds can help prevent seed-borne and early-stage diseases.
  • Field Sanitation: Removing and destroying infected plant debris can help reduce disease spread.
  • Fungicide Applications: In cases of severe disease pressure, the use of appropriate fungicides can be necessary. For example, fungicides like chlorothalonil or mancozeb can be used to manage Ascochyta blight.
  • Integrated Disease Management (IDM): Combining multiple management practices, including the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, and chemical controls, can effectively manage diseases.

14. Best Practices

Sustainable Farming Practices

  • Soil Health Management: Regularly add organic matter, such as compost or green manure, to maintain soil fertility and structure.
  • Water Conservation: Use drip or sprinkler irrigation to optimize water use and reduce wastage.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combine biological, cultural, and chemical methods to manage pests and diseases sustainably.

Recommendations for Maximizing Yield and Quality

  • Timely Sowing: Ensure planting is done at the optimal time to avoid adverse weather conditions.
  • Balanced Fertilization: Apply the correct nutrients based on soil tests to support healthy growth.
  • Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the crop for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases and take timely action.
  • Post-harvest Handling: Properly dry and store chickpeas to maintain quality and prevent post-harvest losses.

Global Chickpea Varieties

1. North America

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Sierra’: Popular large, creamy-colored seeds.
    • ‘Dwelley’: Large seed size, well-suited for canning.
    • ‘CDC Frontier’: High-yielding, resistant to Ascochyta blight.
    • ‘CDC Orion’: Large seeds, high yield potential, blight-resistant.
    • ‘Nafziger’: Large-seeded, popular in colder climates.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘Myles’: Small-seeded, disease-resistant, adaptable.
    • ‘CDC Anna’: Resistant to Ascochyta blight, suitable for drylands.

2. Africa

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Arerti’: High-yielding, large seeds, resistant to Fusarium wilt.
    • ‘Yelbe’: Drought-resistant, suitable for semi-arid regions.
    • ‘Chania Desi 2’: High-yielding, tailored for local markets.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘DZ 10-4’: Drought-tolerant, adaptable to various zones.
    • ‘Musse’: Fusarium wilt-resistant, suited for low-medium altitudes.
    • ‘Kenya Kabuli 1’: Small-seeded, highly adaptable.

3. Latin America

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Blanco Sinaloa 92’: Popular for export, large cream-colored seeds.
    • ‘Jalisco 74’: High yield, resistant to Ascochyta blight.
    • ‘Nashichi’: Improved Fusarium wilt resistance, high yield.
    • ‘Chañarito S-156’: High-yielding, large seeds, export-oriented.
    • ‘Norteño’: Excellent yield, adaptable to various climates.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘Chania Desi 1’: Drought-tolerant, suitable for dry regions.
    • ‘Tzotzil’: Traditional variety, adaptable to highlands.

4. Europe

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Castellano’: Large seeds, highly valued in the Mediterranean region.
    • ‘B90’: High-yielding, resistant to cold, popular in southern areas.
    • ‘Amozar’: Adaptable to various climates, known for quality seeds.
    • ‘Icaro’: High yield, resistant to diseases like Fusarium wilt.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘Sara’: Resistant to drought and blight, popular in drylands.
    • ‘Natal’: Small seeds, high protein content, grown in marginal lands.

5. South Asia

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Shubhra’: Large seeds, highly marketable, disease-resistant.
    • ‘Pusa 1003’: Drought-resistant, high yield, suitable for various soils.
    • ‘JGK 1’: Large-seeded, adapted to rainfed areas.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘Pusa 256’: High yield, drought-resistant, widely grown.
    • ‘Vijay’: Fusarium wilt-resistant, high-yielding.
    • ‘Annigeri 1’: Early-maturing, drought-tolerant.

6. Middle East

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Ghab 4’: High-yielding, large seeds, resistant to diseases.
    • ‘ILC 3279’: Cold-resistant, adaptable to arid climates.
    • ‘Ghab 5’: Large-seeded, high yield, popular in dry regions.
  • Desi Varieties:
    • ‘FLIP 97-503C’: Drought-tolerant, disease-resistant.
    • ‘ILC 482’: High yield, resistant to root diseases.
    • ‘Ghab 1’: Early-maturing, suitable for low-rainfall areas.

7. Australia

  • Kabuli Varieties:
    • ‘Genesis 090’: High-yielding, disease-resistant, suitable for dry regions.
    • ‘PBA Monarch’: Large seeds, resistant to Ascochyta blight.
    • ‘Almaz’: High yield, market-preferred seed size.

 

Do not forget, to check out this amazing Disease Diagnostic Guide from NSDU University, By Clicking here.

Before taking decision speak to you own agronomist or mapmycrop advisor for better results.