Induced genetic variability for fatty acids and oil contents in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

The experimental material for the present study comprised of 94 selected induced mutants of two desi (Pb2000 and C44), one kabuli (Pb-1) and one desi x kabuli introgression (CH40/91). The oil contents and saturated (palmatic and stearic acid) and unsaturated fatty acid (oleic, linoleic and lenolenic acid) contents were determined in four chickpea genotypes. The range of oil content was recorded 3.60 to 6.90% in desi variety Pb2000 followed by 3.43 to 8.48% in C44, 3.27 to 6.90% in Pb-1 and 3.50 to 5.93% in CH40/91. The highly significant increase in oil contents was observed in mutants with pink stem (8.48%) in C44. and in large leaf mutant (7.32%) of Pb-1. In desi x kabuli introgression genotype CH40/91, highly significant increase in oil content was noted in mutant of small leaf (5.93%). Out of 25 mutants of Pb2000 and 31 mutants of C44, increase in palmatic acid above the control was observed only in 11 mutants. Out of 27 mutants of Pb-1 and 11 mutants of CH40/91, increase in palmatic acid was observed in 16 and 10 mutants respectively. Early type mutants in Pb2000 (CM72/02 and CM137-01) and desi x kabuli introgression genotype CH40/91(CM1534/01) had high palmatic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid, which supports their role of tolerance against frost. These mutants showed tolerance for frost in the field. The presence of high amount of fatty acids in plants may be used as selection criteria for frost tolerance in chickpea. Majority of the mutants of desi x kabuli introgression (CH40/91) showed increased in saturated as well as unsaturated fatty acids content simultaneously as compared to the mutants of three desi and kabuli types mutants. In conclusion, improvement of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents in desi x kabuli introgression lines of chickpea through induced mutation is not useful approach for heath point of view.