Unlocking drought tolerance in chickpea through ascorbic acid rich genotypes: Growth and branching dynamics

Drought is a major limiting factor for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) productivity, necessitating the identification of traits and genotypes that enhance resilience to water-stress conditions. This study evaluates the effects of well-watered and water-stressed conditions on growth traits, specifically plant height and the number of primary branches, in chickpea genotypes categorized as ascorbic acid (AsA)-rich and AsA-poor. Significant differences were observed in the growth performance of genotypes across moisture regimes, with AsA-rich genotypes exhibiting superior plant height and branching patterns compared to their AsA-poor counterparts under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions. These findings underscore the role of AsA-rich genotypes in mitigating the adverse effects of drought and highlight their potential as valuable resources in breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in chickpea.