The effects of supplementary irrigation and different plant densities on morphological traits, yield and its components and protein content of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Sirvan region in Ilam province

In order to study the effect of supplementary irrigation and different plant densities on grain yield and yield components of chickpea cv Hashem، an experiment was conducted as split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Sirvan، Ilam during 2008-2009 cropping season. Main plot included supplementary irrigation (check as non-irrigation، supplementary irrigation at flowering and podding stages) and subplot included plant density (20، 30، 40، 50 plant. m-2). The results showed that supplementary irrigation had significant effect on plant height، number of sub branch، number of pod per plant، 1000-grain weight، protein content، grain yield and biological yield. The highest grain yield (1504 kg. ha-1) was obtained from supplementary irrigation at flowering and the lowest grain yield (613 kg. ha-1) Observed from check treatment respectively. Plant density had significant effect on studied traits expect protein content and harvest index. The highest grain yield was obtained from 50 plant. m-2 and the lowest obtained from 20 plant. m-2 respectively; but there was not significant difference between 40 and 50 plant. m-2. Interaction effect of supplementary irrigation and plant density was significant on number of main branch، number of pod per plant، grain yield and biological yield. The highest grain yield (2006 kg. ha-1) was obtained from supplementary irrigation at flowering stage and 50 plant. m-2 and the lowest grain yield (488 kg. ha-1) observed from check treatment and 20 plant. m-2، respectively.