Effects of planting date and density on yield, yield components and protein content of three chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars under rainfed conditions in Ilam province

In order to study the effects of planting date and plant density on yield and its components in three chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars in rainfed conditions of Ilam، a field experiment was carried out using split plot design as factorial by complete randomized block design with three replications at Shirvan-Chardavol Agriculture Research Station during 2008-2009. Sowing dates were assigned to main plots at two seasons planting (autumn and spring)، plant density (20 and 40 plants/m2) and three cultivars (Arman، Hashem and Azad) were arranged as randomized in sub-plots. Results indicated that grain yield and yield components were affected by planting date and autumn planting produced the highest grain yield (1578 kg/ha). Number of pods per plant، grain yield، 100-grain weight and harvest index were affected by planting density. The highest grain yield obtained from plant density of 20 plants/m2. In this experiment، all traits were affected by cultivars and Azad cultivar showed the highest grain yield and its components. Interaction effects of planting date × plant density × cultivars had a significant effect on grain yield. The highest grain yield (1940kg/ha) obtained from Azad cultivar in autumn sowing date at the rate of 20 plant/m2. Using soil and environmental factors in autumn planting of Azad cultivar resulted in produce of maximum yield and yield components. Complementary researches were recommended for achieving applied results.