Editorial Book

Book Title: Advances in Plant Breeding - Volume 1

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 25-Jun-2026 | Pages: 55-61 | Doi : 10.37446/volbook022026/55-61

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) - Origin, Cytogenetics, Floral Biology, Breeding Objectives, Molecular Approach in Chickpea Improvement and Stress Breeding

• Pavithra M
• M.Sc. (Agri.), SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai, Elapakkam (Post), Chengalpattu (Dt.), Tamil Nadu, India.


• Selvakumar Gurunathan
• Associate Professor (Genetics and Plant Breeding), SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai, Elapakkam (Post), Chengalpattu (Dt.), Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important leguminous crop belonging to the Fabaceae family, recognized for its substantial protein levels (18–25%) and overall nutrition. It traces its origins back to the Near Eastern area and primarily reproduces through self-pollination, having a diploid chromosome configuration (2n=16). This plant showcases standard papilionaceous flower characteristics and has a mutually beneficial association with Rhizobium for the fixation of nitrogen. The goals of breeding efforts aim to enhance yield, improve resilience against both biotic and abiotic challenges, and raise nutritional standards. Current molecular techniques like marker-assisted selection and genomic methods have hastened the enhancement of chickpea. Breeding for stress tolerance is crucial for creating varieties that can withstand drought, high temperatures, and diseases, thereby ensuring consistent production.

Keywords

Chickpea, Cicer arietinum, Cytogenetics, Floral biology, Breeding objectives, Molecular breeding, Stress tolerance, Pulse crop

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