Genetic Variability and Molecular Markers related to Broomrape Susceptibility in Chickpea

Chickpea is an important crop legume grown worldwide. There is an increasing concern on narrowing of genetic base in chickpea. Ionizing radiations as gamma rays is one of many tools used for increasing genetic variability. This study aimed to increase genetic variationsin chickpea kabuli genotype to be improvement. Dry seeds were subjected to gamma irradiation at the doses of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 radius. M1 plants were harvested separately and sown in the next season to produce M2 plants in a row progenies. Variations were recorded in phenotypic expression of qualitative and quantitative parameters. The days needed to first flower appeared was significantly decrease in response to the dose of 25 radius. The dose of 100 radius achieved the greatest number of pods developed per plant and significant increase in seed yielding per plant. Highest heritability value (99.8%) was recorded for the number of pods developed per plant followed by 100-seed weight (98.1%).Genetic diversity between Giza 195 and Giza 531 represent differences at the DNA level.The band with a molecular weight of 500 bp was appeared in the susceptible genotype to broomrape Giza 531 by SCoT-11 and SCoT-36. It is a diagnostic band recommended to fingerprint Cicer genotypes for the analysis of susceptible genotypes to broomrape.