Development of Imazamox-Resistant Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes via EMS-Induced Mutation
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) has crucial role in both human and animal diets owing to its high protein content. Furthermore, it presents considerable prospects for advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation due to its low water requirements and carbon footprint. Türkiye is the gene centre of chickpeas and the fourth largest producer in the world. Weeds represent one of the major biotic constraints adversely impacting chickpea yield and quality. In certain cases, weed infestation can suppress chickpea productivity by over 60%. Current control methods are inadequate, especially against broad-leaved weed species. However, the release of varieties that are resistant to IMI group herbicides has increased the effectiveness of weed control. This study aims to develop chickpea genotypes that are resistant to IMI group herbicides by chemical mutation. This study, which was conducted from 2020 to 2024, involved the treatment of Azkan, Arda, Aksu, Aydoğan, and Göktürk cultivars of chickpea using EMS as the mutagen at doses of 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.40%, and 0.60%. Following the mutagenic treatment, 60 g/L imazamox (IMI group herbicide) was applied under field conditions. Herbicide resistance tests were conducted using the 1–5 scoring system. By using the pedigree selection method, 107 imidazolinone group herbicide-tolerant lines were successfully obtained at the M6 generation.
Keywords: Chickpea, EMS, Mutation, IMI tolerant, weed
