Exploitation of Chickpea Landraces for Drought and Heat Stress Adapted Varieties

Unpredictable climate fluctuations are a major constraint for chickpea production in the Mediterranean region, increasing the frequency of drought and temperature extremes. Landraces consist of locally adapted genotypes, offering valuable genetic variability. In this context, 12 chickpea landraces and 2 commercial varieties were tested. The breeding scheme consisted of two cycles of single-plant selection for high yield at nil-competition, followed by a 2-year evaluation under farming density in replicated trials. Selection cycles and evaluation were conducted under two different sowing dates, one normal and one nearly 30 days later (off-season), to implement the breeding method under extreme drought and heat stress conditions during yield’s critical stages. Among Improved Lines (ILs) developed under normal conditions, those from landraces 7 and 14 yielded 34% and 31% higher than the controls’ mean, while ILs from landraces 7, 9, and 12 developed under stress showed 11%, 8%, and 11% higher yield than the controls. Furthermore, ILs 7, 9, and 12 expressed the highest tolerance based on drought and heat stress indices and are considered as promising genetic material. Overall, the breeding scheme is suggested as effective for exploiting the natural genetic diversity of chickpea landraces towards the development of high-yielding and tolerant lines.