Genotype-environment interaction in chickpea (C. arietinum L.) for adaptation to humid temperate and semi-arid tropical environments

Eight chickpea genotypes were evaluated for seed yield and maturity time at three temperate locations in Japan and one semi-arid tropical location in India over a two-year period to obtain baseline information on chickpea adaptation to Japan. The average seed productivity under Japanese environments, except in the northern area with growth under cool and semi- humid climatic conditions and a longer photoperiod, was lower than that in the semi-arid tropical environment in India. The kabuli chickpeas, especially, ICCV 92311 and ICCV 92337, showed a higher productivity in northern Japan. For chickpea cultivation in Japan, it is recommended to adopt modified agronomic practices to reduce humidity in the crop canopy, for example, wider plant spacing, cultivation under rain shelter, and selection of genotypes with a high assimilate remobilization rate as well as resistance to higher humidity-promoted diseases. Growing chickpea crop in the northern part of Japan by adopting such agronomic practices and the right genotypes could be suitable. However, a larger number of studies should be carried out to analyse the various mechanisms that contribute to a better adaptation of chickpea to environments with a high soil moisture and humidity.