A Preliminary Evaluation of Desi Chickpea Genotypes in Response to Low Temperature Stress

Temperature is an importan environmental factor that inevitably determines the extent and geographical range of plants. In this study, the chilling induced responses of 11 desi chickpea genotypes were surveyed under growth chamber conditions to screen for chilling tolerance. Electrolyte leakage (EL) and lipid peroxidization (Malondialdehide (MDA)) methods were employed for the purpose. Data analysis revealed that there existed significant differences among genotypes for treatments 23 and -10°C. Low temperature regime (-10°C for 15 min) resulted in increasing EL and MDA in all the genotypes except in 4322 and 4715. MDA analysis introduced genotypes 4715 and 4322 as cold tolerant candidates. Further analysis at -12oC revealed 4322 (showing low ELI and MDA) potentially recovered after coming back to optimum temperature. These were identified as good cold-resistant candidates which can be employed in future trials, whereas genotype 4715, because of undergoing severe damage, didn’t continue to survive even after initial temporary recovery. Results showed the first physiological and biochemical responses of cell membranes in the tolerant genotypes under cold stress and that ELI and MDA can be employed as cold tolerance markers in evaluation of genotypes in short duration low temperatures.