Technological and Nutritional Quality Traits and Globulin Protein Polymorphism in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm
Abstract
Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume crop with high nutritional value due to its protein content, essential amino acids and functional properties. Genetic variation among chickpea germplasm collections provides valuable opportunities for improving seed nutritional quality and identifying promising materials for breeding programs. However, comprehensive evaluation combining technological traits, biochemical composition and storage-protein polymorphism remains limited for many chickpea collections. The present study aimed to characterize the variation in technological quality traits, nutritional composition and globulin storage-protein profiles among chickpea accessions to identify potential breeding materials with improved seed quality. Methods: Field and laboratory experiments were conducted during 2023–2025 at the Absheron Experimental Base Station of the Institute of Genetic Resources, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A total of 51 chickpea accessions, including local cultivars and introduced germplasm, were evaluated. Technological traits, including water absorption capacity, cooking time, moisture content and 100-seed weight, were assessed. Biochemical analyses were performed to determine total protein, lysine and tryptophan contents. Globulin storage-protein polymorphism was investigated using acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (A-PAGE). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Result: Significant variation was observed among chickpea accessions for technological and biochemical traits. The 100-seed weight ranged from 27.5 to 43.9 g, while total protein content varied from 21.3% to 27.2%. Several accessions demonstrated high nutritional potential, including Filip 08-65, which showed the highest lysine and tryptophan contents. Correlation analysis revealed relationships among protein, lysine and tryptophan contents, while PCA differentiated accessions according to their biochemical characteristics. Electrophoretic analysis of globulin storage proteins revealed considerable polymorphism among the studied genotypes, with the highest diversity observed in the β region. The identified accessions may serve as valuable genetic resources for future chickpea breeding programs targeting improved nutritional quality and storage-protein diversity.