Statewide Evaluation of Chickpea (Garbonzo Bean) Variety Performance (Montana Uniform Chickpea Performance Trial) (2002)

Abstract

This report evaluates grain yield potential of chickpea varieties under dryland conditions across Montana (Moccasin Testing Site Only). Drought-like conditions persisted into the 2002 cropping year across much of Montana. Below normal growing season precipitation was recorded at all sites at Moccasin, which received only 86% of its normal growing season precipitation from May 1 through July 31. An outbreak of Ascochyta blight was detected on July 15th, and an application of Quadris was applied to suppress the disease until the plots could be harvested. A severe thunderstorm accompanied by hail, hit the site on August 20th, causing at least 50% losses in yield (Table 13). Desi and small kabuli chickpea grain yields, since 1998, have averaged 1,300 pounds per acre under dryland conditions at Moccasin (Table 15). By analysis (which extrapolates yields over missing years), CDC Desiray has been the best grain producer, averaging 1,422 pounds of grain per acre (23.7 bu/acre). However, it has not significantly out produced any of the other desi-/small kabuli-type chickpeas. The large kabuli chickpeas have averaged only 363 pounds per acre (includes the hail damaged yields of 2002). It is unclear at this time what is causing the low kabuli-yields reported at Moccasin. Further research is needed. CDC Xena, had the best 4-year grain average, producing 437 pound per acre.