Ochkala O. Source material of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with a high rate of germination at low temperatures in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Object of study – reaction of chickpea samples to extreme environmental conditions during germination and vegetation. The aim identification of sources from the world collection and creation of a new source material for the selection of common chickpeas with a high germination rate at low positive temperatures and high productivity. Methods - general science - to determine the direction of research: observation, analysis and synthesis, generalization; field - for phenological observations, records; biometric to conduct structural analysis and establish the manifestation of the studied features; laboratory - to determine the rate of germination, water absorption of seeds at controlled temperatures; biochemical - to determine the biochemical parameters of seeds and vegetative mass; mathematical and statistical - variance, variation, correlation analysis to establish the reliability of experimental data. Results - promising source material for a set of valuable economic characteristics and resistance to low positive temperatures. The method of studying the intensity of seed germination at low positive temperatures was improved, which provided opportunities to improve the germination of chickpeas, increase its yield. Isolation of valuable specimens with a combination of high economic characteristics and resistance to low positive temperatures allowed to recommend them for further use in breeding, and scientifically sound recommendations for improved cultivation technology - for practical seed production in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Novelty - for the first time in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine the assessment of the gene pool of chickpeas of different ecological and geographical origin on the intensity of germination at low positive temperature (+ 4oC) was carried out and sources with high germination rates were identified to involve them in breeding programs; indicators of crop structure and parameters of the level of variability of economic characteristics in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine were studied; established features of the biochemical composition of vegetative mass and chickpea roots during overwintering and spring sowing; constant lines of common chickpeas have been created, combining intensive seed germination rates at low positive temperatures with high productivity. The scientific value - The method of studying the intensity of germination of chickpea seeds at low positive temperatures, "cold germination of seeds" has been improved. Scientific developments on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants under the influence of low positive temperatures have been further developed; the use of early chickpea crops to avoid drought in the seed germination phase and in the first half of the growing season; expanding the genetic diversity of the source material of chickpeas by intraspecific crosses. Sector – agriculture.