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Evaluation of Ethiopian chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for frost tolerance

Frost stress is one of the most significant abiotic factors affecting chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. To investigate the frost tolerance of chickpea, 673 genotypes were characterized using an augmented design at Bakelo, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia for two years. A significant (p < 0.01) variability amongst genotypes was recorded for all agronomic traits considered. A considerable number of accessions better performing over the frost susceptible genotypes were identified for agronomic traits. Stem/leaf pigmented genotypes showed a better reaction for frost stress than non-pigmented genotypes. The majority of black seeded chickpea adapted well under frost stress when compared to with brown and white seeded genotypes. According to the freezing tolerance rate (FTR) and plant survival rate (SR), 83 (12.3 %) and 85 (12.6 %) genotypes were identified as frost tolerant. There was a strong correlation (p < 0.01) in grain yield with FTR, SR, seed shriveling score, stem/leaf pigmentation and seed color. Based on our findings, Ethiopian chickpea landraces has a good genetic potential for frost resistance traits for use in breeding programs. 