Field evaluation of elite chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for resistance to Botrytis Grey Mold (BGM) and yield performance in Sarlahi, Nepal

Abstract

Botrytis grey mold (BGM), caused by Botrytis cinerea, is an important constraint to chickpea production in humid environments of Nepal. Field experiments were conducted at the Oilseed Research Program, Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, during the winter seasons of 2079/80 and 2080/81 to evaluate 12 elite chickpea genotypes, including released variety Tara as a standard check, received from Grain Legumes Research Program, Khajura, Banke for BGM response and yield performance. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were recorded for phenological, agronomic and yield traits, along with BGM severity. Significant genotypic variation (P<0.05) was observed for BGM severity, flowering and maturity days, plant height, pods/plant and grain yield. Mean BGM severity decreased from 59.0% in the first year to 45.8% in the second year, while mean grain yield increased from 1017.7 to 1275.4 kg /ha. ICCV 87312 showed the lowest BGM severity in both years (44.4 and 31.5%) and recorded the highest grain yield in the second year (1773.7 kg/ha). KWR 108 also showed comparatively low and consistent BGM severity (44.4 and 38.9%) with good yield performance. The genotype × year interaction for BGM severity was non-significant indicating relatively consistent genotype responses across seasons. ICCV 87312 and KWR 108 are promising genotypes for further multi-location evaluation and breeding for moderate BGM resistance combined with high yield in Nepal.