Introduction
Cicer arietinum L., commonly known as chickpea or garbanzo bean, is an annual legume from the Fabaceae family. It is widely cultivated in different parts of the world, with origins tracing back to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, mainly Turkey, Syria, and Iran.Appearance
Chickpea plants grow up to 20-50 cm in height and have a bushy appearance with feathery leaves that resemble pinnate. The stems are slender, and the flowers are white or pinkish in color. The chickpea's pods have a length of 2-3 cm and contain one to two rounded seeds, which are the chickpeas themselves.Common Uses
Chickpeas are a versatile food plant that has been a staple of cuisines worldwide for centuries. They are a common ingredient in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian dishes, including hummus, falafel, and chana masala. Chickpeas are also a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. In addition to food uses, chickpeas are also commonly used in animal feed and soil fertilizers.Cultivation
Chickpea is a cool-season annual plant that thrives in the semi-arid and subtropical climates, and it can grow in different soil types. The plant requires little water and is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal crop in areas where water is scarce. Chickpeas are typically sown in autumn or spring, and harvested in summer. In recent years, farmers have adopted modern farming techniques such as mechanization, irrigation, and crop rotation to increase their crops' yield.In conclusion, Cicer arietinum L. is a significant food crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its unique appearance, nutritional value, and versatility make it a popular ingredient in global cuisine and animal feed. Chickpea cultivation has evolved over the years, but the plant still thrives in semi-arid soils, making it a valuable asset to farmers worldwide.
Light Requirements
Cicer arietinum typically requires full sun exposure to allow for optimal growth. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Cicer arietinum thrives in warm temperatures, ranging from 15-25°C. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant and inhibit growth.
Soil Requirements
Cicer arietinum grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. The soil should be loose, loamy, and rich in nutrients. It does not grow as well in heavy clay soils or soil with poor drainage. Regular watering is necessary to ensure the plants do not dry out.
Cultivation methods
Cicer arietinum L. commonly known as chickpeas is a warm-season crop that requires full sun to grow. They can be grown throughout the year in regions with mild temperatures. Chickpeas grow well in soils with a pH of 5.5-8.0. The land for cultivation should be plowed well before planting to create a fine seedbed.
The recommended seeding rate for chickpeas is 60-80 lb/acre. The seeds should be sown 2-3 inches apart, and 1-2 inches deep in the soil. Chickpeas can be grown both as monoculture and intercrop with other crops such as maize or cotton.
Watering needs
Chickpeas require moderate irrigation during their growing season. Irrigation should be done based on soil moisture conditions and the growth stage of the crop. The first irrigation should be done immediately after seeding to initiate germination. Subsequently, irrigation should be done every 5-7 days until the vegetative growth stage.
After the reproductive stage begins, irrigation should be reduced, and water should be withheld during the pod-filling stage to prevent seed cracking. Chickpeas can tolerate drought conditions, but sufficient water is necessary during the initial growth stages.
Fertilization
Chickpeas require fertilization to ensure optimal growth and maximum yield. A soil test should be conducted before planting to determine the soil nutrient level. Chickpeas require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow.
Nitrogen can be applied as urea or ammonium sulfate. Phosphorus can be applied as superphosphate or triple superphosphate. Potassium can be applied as muriate of potash or sulfate of potash. Fertilizers should be applied in split dosage during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for chickpeas as they grow as a bushy plant. However, regular inspection of the crop should be done to identify and remove diseased parts of the plant. Chickpeas can also be topped to prevent lodging due to high winds and heavy rains. Removal of the top third of the plant can help reduce the risk of lodging.
Propagation of Cicer arietinum L.
Cicer arietinum L., commonly known as chickpea or garbanzo bean, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is an annual legume crop that is grown for its nutritious seeds. Propagation of Cicer arietinum L. can be done through various methods, including:
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Cicer arietinum L. is through seeds. The seeds can be obtained from mature pods that have dried on the plant. The pods can be harvested once they have turned brown and dry. The seeds should be collected and stored in a cool, dry place until planting. To plant the seeds, they should be sown in rows at a depth of about 5 cm in well-drained soil. The optimum temperature for germination is between 20-25°C.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Cicer arietinum L. can also be achieved through methods such as stem cuttings, layering, and grafting. However, these methods are not commonly used as they are more time-consuming and have lower success rates than seed propagation.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation of Cicer arietinum L. can also be a viable option. In this method, plant tissue is taken from the plant and placed under sterile conditions in a nutrient-rich medium. The tissue will then grow and develop into a new plant. Tissue culture propagation is useful for producing large numbers of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
In conclusion, Cicer arietinum L. can be propagated through various methods. The most common method is through seeds, while vegetative propagation and tissue culture propagation are less commonly used. Careful attention should be given to planting and growing conditions to ensure optimal growth and development of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Cicer arietinum L.
Cicer arietinum L., also known as chickpea, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can lead to significant yield loss if not controlled on time. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Cicer arietinum L., and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunting, and eventually death of the plant. The fungus can persist for years in the soil. Crop rotation and planting disease-resistant varieties are the most effective ways to control Fusarium wilt. Additionally, seed treatment with fungicides before planting can also provide some control.
Ascochyta blight: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant, leading to discolored spots, defoliation, and reduced yield. Crop rotation, good sanitation practices, and timely fungicide application can help control Ascochyta blight.
Botrytis gray mold: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, flowers, and pods of the plant, leading to brown lesions, soft rot, and yield loss. Good ventilation, proper spacing between plants, and timely fungicide application can help prevent Botrytis gray mold.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. Natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs can help control aphids. Additionally, insecticidal soap or neem oil can also provide effective control.
Cutworms: These caterpillars cut the seedlings at or below ground level, leading to plant death. Burying a vertical barrier made of cardboard or plastic around the seedlings can help control cutworms.
Helicoverpa (pod borer): This insect pest feeds on the pods and leaves of the plant, leading to yield loss. Crop rotation, timely pesticide application, and use of pheromone traps can help control Helicoverpa.
By adopting these disease and pest management practices, farmers can produce healthy and high-yielding Cicer arietinum L. crops.
