Scientists from the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR)
in India have successfully developed a new high-yielding transgenicdesi
chickpea variety.

The research group used the chickpea cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase
geneexpressed under the chickpea WRKY31 gene promoter. The WRKY31 gene
promoter was selected to modulate the cytokinin level in roots and
investigate the effect of cytokinin depletion in root growth and
architecture, and subsequently, on yield and productivity of chickpea.
The transgenic lines were advanced up to fourth generation (T4) and
results showed that T4 lines tolerate periodic water-limited conditions
and possess higher seed mineral contents. A robust increase in root
network was also recorded without any apparent negative effect on the shoot.

The transgenic chickpea lines showed higher seed yields of up to 25
percent, and the seeds contained higher levels of zinc, iron, potassium,
and copper.

Scientists developed a high-yielding, bio-fortified, drought-tolerant
desi chickpea variety - The Global Plant Council
[globalplantcouncil.org]