Assessing the effects of sowing time and genotype on chickpea dry matter accumulation and yield in the Northern dry zone of Karnataka under changing weather conditions

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an essential legume in semi-arid regions like the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India, where its productivity is highly sensitive to climatic conditions. This study assessed the effects of different sowing times and genotypes on chickpea dry matter accumulation and yield under changing weather conditions. Conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura, the experiment used a split-plot design with four sowing dates (D₁: early October, D₂: late October, D₃: early November, D₄: late November) and three genotypes (G₁: JG-11, G₂: BGD-111-1, G₃: JG-14). Results showed that early October sowing (D₁) produced the highest dry matter in leaves (1.88 g/plant), stems (5.09 g/plant), and reproductive parts (12.06 g/plant). Genotype JG-11 (G₁) achieved the highest seed yield (1848 kg/ha), while JG-14 (G3) had the best haulm yield (2273 kg/ha). Seed yield was highest with early sowing (D₁: 1913 kg/ha) and progressively declined with delayed sowing (D₄: 1512 kg/ha). The study highlights the importance of optimizing sowing time, particularly early October, and selecting suitable genotypes like JG-11 and JG-14 to enhance chickpea productivity under changing climatic conditions.