Evaluation of Kabuli Chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum l.) Collection under Tunisian semi arid conditions

The enrichment of the tolerant Tunisian chickpea genotypes list to abiotic stresses, particularly drought and heat, depends on the specie water and thermal requirements. Within this framework, 41 chickpea genotypes were conducted in rainfed conditions with supplementary irrigations in the experimental field of the Higher Agronomic Institute of Chott Mariem which belongs to the Tunisian semi arid area. Rainfall and supplementary irrigations amount to 245 mm. Results show that thermal conditions of this bioclimatic zone are favorable for chickpea cropping. Regarding water, the provided amount was found to be lower than the required one by the specie, estimated to 370 mm. Chickpea culture underwent a drought stress during filling pods and seed maturity phases. Among the 41 genotypes, 13 drought stress tolerant accessions were screened. They can be lead in, winter or spring, rainfed culture conditions under Tunisian semi arid zones. However, the other genotypes were sensitive to this abiotic stress. Their cropping area would be the humid and/or sub humid bioclimatic zones. Nevertheless, they can be conducted in winter culture in the Tunisian semi - arid zones.