Effects of Methanol on Yield and Yield Components of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

To investigate the effects of methanol on the yield and the yield components of chickpea, a factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design during three replications at the Research Field of Islamic Azad University Karaj Branch in the year 2008. Aqueous solutions 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% (v/v) of methanol containing 0.2% glycine as well as the two varieties of ILC 482 and Azad were factors of this study. After flowering, these solutions were sprayed over the plant heads three times in one-week intervals. The results of the ANOVA indicated that the effects of solutions on yield, 100 seed weight, biological yield and plant height were significant. Also, significant differences on all the characteristics under investigation except plant height and harvest index were evident between the two varieties (ILC 482 and Azad). Interactive effects on biological yield, yield and 100 seed weight were respectively significant at 1%, 1% and 5%, probability levels. According to the results, the Azad variety on 10% of methanol application produced the highest yield (2482.6 kg/ha) which is an increase of 126% as compared with the control. The ILC 482 variety on 20% of methanol application reached the second rank after Azad by 2425.5 kg/ha and it improved 50% in relation to the control. The mentioned treatments had similar biological yield conditions. Highest 100 seed weight increased 40% and 30% respectively as with by 36.98 gr. for ILC 482 on the 10% of methanol and 35.03 gr. for Azad on the 5% at methanol. The application of methanol, as a source of carbon, increases more carbon fixation by inhibiting the photorespiration. Therefore, it can be a positive factor in improving the photosynthesis and increasing the yield of chickpea.