Description of Cicer arietinum
Cicer arietinum, commonly known as chickpea, is an annual herbaceous legume that is widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions around the world. The plant belongs to the family Fabaceae and is believed to have originated in the Middle East and Central Asia.
General Appearance
The chickpea plant typically grows to be about 20-50 cm tall and has a branched stem with alternate and pinnately compound leaves that are dark green in color. The flowers are small and white or light pink in color and are borne singly or in pairs in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a pod that contains one or two seeds, which are commonly referred to as chickpeas.
Common Names
Chickpea is also known by a variety of other common names depending on the region, including garbanzo bean, Bengal gram, Egyptian pea, gram, and chana.
Uses
Chickpea is a highly nutritious food that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The plant is commonly used in a variety of dishes around the world, including soups, stews, salads, and curries. Chickpeas can also be ground into a flour and used to make a variety of dishes, such as falafel, hummus, and gram flour pancakes. In addition to being a staple food, chickpeas are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and digestive issues.
Light Requirements
The plant Cicer arietinum requires full sunlight to grow and produce good quality yields. Growing the plant in partial or complete shade may result in stunted growth, lower yields, and lower quality produce. Therefore, it is essential to plant the crop in an area that receives direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperature to grow. The ideal temperature range for Cicer arietinum is between 20°C to 30°C. However, the plant can tolerate a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C. At a temperature below or above, the recommended range can adversely affect the germination, growth, and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cicer arietinum prefers well-draining soils with medium texture and a pH range between 6 to 7.5. The plant can't tolerate waterlogged or saline soils, which negatively impact the plant's growth and quality of the yields. Therefore, it is essential to choose well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant requires a minimum of 30 cm depth of the soil to grow correctly.
Cultivation methods
Cicer arietinum, commonly known as chickpeas, is an annual legume that is tolerant of drought and heat. Chickpeas require well-drained soils that are moderately fertile. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. The plant thrives in warm and dry climates, and grows best in temperatures between 18 and 22°C. Chickpeas should be planted in full sun for optimal growth and yield.
Watering needs
Chickpeas require moderate amounts of water. They should be watered deeply once a week if rainfall is inadequate. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and reduce plant growth. Chickpeas are drought-tolerant but should not be allowed to wilt for prolonged periods of time. Irrigation should be reduced during pod filling and maturity to prevent pod-splitting and disease development.
Fertilization
Chickpeas require moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Soil testing should be done before fertilization to determine the nutrient requirements of the plant. Organic fertilizers can be used to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth. Nitrogen application should be done in split doses, with the first application at planting and the second at flowering. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied before planting or at planting to promote root development and plant growth.
Pruning
Chickpeas do not require pruning, but if the plant becomes too tall, it can be topped to control height and encourage branching. Topping should be done before flowering to prevent yield loss. Removing lower branches can improve air circulation and reduce disease incidence. Diseased or damaged plants should be removed to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Cicer arietinum
Cicer arietinum, also known as chickpea, is a leguminous plant that is commonly grown for its edible seeds or pulses. Propagation of this plant is quite simple and can be achieved through a number of methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cicer arietinum is through seeds. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil that has been enriched with organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to rotting of the seeds.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat. This will help the seedlings emerge more easily. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1-2 inches and spaced about 4 inches apart.
Seed propagation is best done in the spring, once the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a risk of frost.
Vegetative Propagation
Cicer arietinum can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as root division, stem cuttings, or layering. However, these methods are less common and more challenging compared to seed propagation.
Root Division: Root division is a method of propagation where the plant's root system is divided into smaller sections and replanted. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings involve taking a portion of the stem and rooting it in soil. Choose a healthy stem and cut it to about 4-6 inches in length. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until the plant has established roots, which will take about 2-3 weeks.
Layering: Layering involves bending a healthy stem and burying a portion of it in soil. Leave the tip of the stem exposed. Once roots have formed, separate the new plant and replant it in a new container or outdoors. This method is best done in the spring or early summer.
Although seed propagation is the easiest method of propagating Cicer arietinum, the other methods can be used as well. Choose the method that works best for you and your gardening goals.
Disease Management for Cicer arietinum
Cicer arietinum, commonly known as chickpea, is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt, ascochyta blight, and botrytis gray mold. These diseases can cause significant yield losses and reduce the quality of the produce. Therefore, proper disease management practices are essential to maintain the health and productivity of the crop.
The below-mentioned practices can help manage the diseases in Cicer arietinum:
- Plant resistant varieties whenever possible.
- Crop rotation with non-host plants, such as cereals, can help control the spread of soil-borne diseases like ascochyta blight.
- Avoid excessive irrigation to minimize moisture levels that favor the development of diseases.
- Proper drainage of fields coupled with good plant spacing to ensure good ventilation can reduce moisture levels and prevent fungal growth.
- Avoid working in fields when the plants are wet as this can spread fungal spores.
- Manage weeds, which may serve as alternate hosts for plant diseases, in and around fields.
- In case of severe disease infestation, use fungicides in conjunction with other disease management practices.
Pest Management for Cicer arietinum
Cicer arietinum is prone to damage from various insect pests that can cause significant yield losses. The common insect pests that might affect the plant include:
- Pod borer
- Helicoverpa
- Spider mites
- Aphids
The following practices can help manage the pest infestations in Cicer arietinum:
- Plant resistant varieties whenever possible.
- Implement crop rotation to discourage the build-up of pest populations in the soil.
- Use good quality seeds, free from pests and diseases.
- Monitor the crop regularly for signs of pest infestation and take immediate action when necessary.
- Implement physical methods, such as the use of traps and barriers, to prevent pest attacks.
- Manage weeds as they may provide a breeding ground for pests.
- Biocontrol using natural enemies such as predators and parasites can be an effective way to manage insect pest populations.
By following these practices, Cicer arietinum can be protected from various diseases and pests, resulting in better yields and healthier crops.
