Chickpea: Agronomy

Chickpea ranks third among pulses in global production with its area expanding in Turkey, Canada, and Australia. Chickpea is broad in adaptation and is widely distributed with its production limited by several biotic and abiotic stresses. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen via a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium, which benefits both chickpea and its following crops. Moisture availability, temperature, and photoperiod suitability determine the sowing time for the best yield. Sowing rates range from 40 to 200 kg ha− 1 and sowing depth from 5 to 8 cm for the best yield. Application of mineral fertilizers results in marginal yield increases as chickpea is equipped for the acquisition of several minerals from nontraditional soil sources. Weed management is critical favoring the search for improved control measures and genetic sources of herbicide tolerance. The major diseases are Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, root rots, rust, and Botrytis gray mold; the major pests are pod borers and leaf miners. Future genetic enhancements with greater resistance to key biotic and abiotic stresses and herbicides can further improve the sustainability in chickpea production.