The effect of different tillage systems on yield-related traits and seed quality of autumn-seeded chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different tillage systems including conservation and conventional on yield-related traits and seed quality of some autumn-seeded chickpea cultivars. The experiment was carried out as split plot based on a completely randomized block design during the 1399-1400 growing season. Tillage systems including conventional, reduced and no tillage were arranged as main factor and chickpea cultivars (Adel, Arman, Hashem, Mansour, Azad, Azkan, Aksu and Goksu) were arranged as sub factor. Among the traits under study only 100-seed weight was significantly affected by tillage systems and the interaction between tillage and cultivar. The highest 100-seed weight (42 g) was obtained for Aksu under no till system whereas, the lowest value was recorded for Arman and Hashem under all three tillage systems. However, the effect of cultivar on 100-seed weight, the number of pods per plant, harvest index, reproductive effort index and seed protein percent was significant. The highest harvest index (47%) and protein percent (19%) were observed in Adel and Mansour, respectively. Overall, the findings of this research showed that chickpea yield and related traits (excluding 100-seed weight) as well as grain quality were not significantly affected by tillage systems. There was no significant difference in grain yield between the studied cultivars, although the difference between them was significant in terms of some yield-related traits and grain protein percent.