Research Highlights Chickpea Versatility as a Crop

Researchers at the University of Vienna conducted a study of chickpea genotypes to evaluate their resistance to drought stress. They published their work in The Plant Biotechnology. Scientists say that two-thirds of global food production is based on just nine crop species, so it’s in the interest of global food security to identify other reliable food sources that can perform well in changing climatic conditions. This evaluation found that chickpeas are a drought-resistant legume plant with a high protein content that can complement grain cultivation systems even in urban areas. “The different varieties and wild types show very different mechanisms to deal with persistent drought stress. This natural genetic variability is particularly important in order to withstand climate change and ensure the survival of the plant,” explains molecular biologist Wolfram Weckwerth.