Chickpea/Gram Pea Axillary Buds: Economic Importance, Uses and By-Products

August 29, 2023 Agric4Profits

Chickpea/Gram pea Axillary buds are small, embryonic structures that are found in the axils of the plant’s leaves. The axil is the angle between the upper side of the leaf stalk and the stem. Axillary buds have the potential to develop into various structures, such as new branches, leaves, flowers, or even flowers that can eventually develop into fruits (in the case of chickpeas, these are the pods containing the seeds).

The growth and activation of axillary buds are regulated by plant hormones, primarily auxins. The apical meristem (the growing tip of the main stem) produces auxins that inhibit the growth of axillary buds further down the stem. This phenomenon is called apical dominance. When the apical meristem is removed or inhibited (for example, through pruning), the suppression of axillary bud growth is relieved, and these buds start to grow and develop into new shoots or branches.

In chickpea plants, axillary buds are crucial for branching and overall plant architecture. They play a significant role in determining the plant’s shape, height, and structure. Depending on the conditions and the plant’s growth stage, these axillary buds can give rise to lateral branches that bear additional leaves and flowers. These flowers eventually transform into pods that house the chickpea seeds.

Understanding the growth and development of axillary buds is important in the cultivation and management of chickpea crops. Pruning or strategic removal of the apical meristem can encourage branching and potentially increase yield by allowing more pods to develop. Proper management practices, including planting density, nutrient supply, and irrigation, can also influence the growth and activation of axillary buds, thereby impacting overall plant productivity.

In summary, axillary buds in chickpea plants are embryonic structures located in the leaf axils that have the potential to grow into lateral branches, leaves, flowers, and eventually pods containing the protein-rich chickpea seeds. Their growth and activation are regulated by plant hormones and environmental conditions, and they play a vital role in determining the plant’s growth pattern and overall yield.

The Economic Importance and Uses of Chickpea/Gram Pea Axillary Buds

Axillary buds are located in the axil, which is the upper angle formed between a leaf and the stem. These buds can potentially give rise to new branches, leaves, or flowers. However, chickpea axillary buds are not typically a focal point of economic importance. The main economic yield of chickpeas comes from the development of pods containing seeds (the chickpeas themselves) rather than from axillary buds.

For chickpeas, the growth and development of axillary buds can influence plant architecture and potentially affect factors like branching patterns and overall plant productivity. However, the primary focus in chickpea cultivation is on maximizing seed production and quality rather than utilizing axillary buds for economic gain.

1. Branching and Plant Architecture: Axillary buds are crucial determinants of plant architecture. The growth and activation of axillary buds lead to the formation of lateral branches, which can influence the overall shape, size, and yield potential of the plant. In the case of chickpeas, appropriate branching patterns can affect light interception, airflow, and nutrient distribution within the canopy.

2. Reproductive Potential: While the primary economic yield from chickpea cultivation is the seeds (chickpeas) contained within pods, the development of flowers and subsequent pods often originates from axillary buds. Adequate branching and flower initiation from these buds are essential for achieving optimal chickpea yields.

3. Pest and Disease Resistance: Branching patterns influenced by axillary buds can impact pest and disease resistance. Proper branching can lead to better air circulation and light penetration, reducing conditions favorable for pathogen development.

4. Crop Management Practices: Crop management techniques, such as pruning or pinching of axillary buds, can sometimes be employed to regulate plant growth and influence yield. However, these practices are more commonly associated with horticultural crops (like tomatoes) rather than field crops like chickpeas.

5. Research and Breeding: Studying axillary bud development in chickpeas and other crops contributes to a better understanding of plant physiology and growth. This knowledge can be harnessed for breeding programs aimed at developing chickpea varieties with improved branching patterns, yield potential, and stress tolerance.

6. Branching and Plant Form: Axillary buds give rise to lateral branches, determining the overall shape and structure of the plant. The number, angle, and arrangement of branches affect light interception, airflow, and the plant’s ability to efficiently capture resources like water and nutrients.

7. Reproductive Potential: In many plants, axillary buds can develop into inflorescences or flower clusters, leading to the formation of fruits and seeds. Maximizing the activation of axillary buds can contribute to increased yield in crops with indeterminate growth habits.

8. Horticultural Practices: Axillary bud manipulation is a common technique in horticulture. Pinching or pruning axillary buds can influence plant shape, encourage branching, and direct energy toward flower and fruit production. This is often used to improve aesthetics and yield in ornamental plants and certain fruit-bearing crops.

9. Vegetative Propagation: In some cases, axillary buds are used for vegetative propagation. Cuttings taken from stems with active axillary buds can develop into new plants, providing a means of clonal reproduction.

10. Research and Breeding: Studying axillary bud development is crucial for understanding plant growth patterns. This knowledge informs breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars with desired branching architectures, flowering habits, and yield characteristics.

The Products and By-products That Can Be Derived From Chickpea/Gram pea Axillary buds

The primary part of the chickpea plant that is utilized is the seed, which is consumed in various forms such as whole, split, or ground into flour. Nonetheless, let’s explore some potential products and by-products that could be derived from chickpea axillary buds:

1. Plant Propagation: Chickpea axillary buds can be used for vegetative propagation to grow new chickpea plants. By carefully cutting and planting axillary buds, new plants can be produced that carry the same genetic traits as the parent plant. This method is commonly used in horticulture for creating clones of desired plants.

2. Microgreens or Shoots: Chickpea axillary buds can be harvested and grown as microgreens or shoots. These young, tender shoots are rich in nutrients and are used as a nutritious ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and various dishes.

3. Research and Tissue Culture: Chickpea axillary buds can be used in laboratory research and tissue culture experiments. They provide a source of plant tissue for various studies, including genetic modification, disease resistance research, and tissue culture propagation.

4. Whole Chickpeas: Dried chickpeas are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads.

5. Chickpea Flour: Dried chickpeas can be ground into chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan. This flour is a staple ingredient in many cuisines and is used for making dishes like chickpea pancakes (socca) and snacks like pakoras.

6. Split Chickpeas: Dried chickpeas can be split into halves, creating chana dal. Chana dal is commonly used in Indian cooking.

7. Hummus: Cooked and mashed chickpeas are used to make hummus, a popular dip and spread.

8. Canned and Frozen Chickpeas: Cooked chickpeas are canned or frozen for convenience in cooking.

9. Chickpea Pasta: Chickpea flour can be used to make gluten-free pasta.

10. Chickpea Snacks: Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and nutritious snack.

11. Chickpea-based Meat Alternatives: Chickpeas can be used as a base for vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives.

12. Chickpea Milk: Chickpeas can be used to make plant-based milk.

13. Animal Feed: By-products of chickpea processing, such as husks and meal, can be used as animal feed.

14. Medicinal and Nutritional Extracts: Chickpea axillary buds could potentially be utilized for extracting bioactive compounds with medicinal or nutritional value. These compounds could be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic industries.

15. Plant-Based Dyes: Chickpea axillary buds may contain pigments that could be extracted and used as natural dyes for textiles and other materials.

16. Fertilizer and Soil Conditioner: Chickpea axillary buds, along with other plant parts, can be composted to create organic fertilizer and soil conditioner, contributing to soil health and fertility.

17. Biogas Production: Chickpea axillary buds, like other plant materials, can be used in anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which is a renewable energy source.

18. Educational and Research Purposes: Chickpea axillary buds can be used as educational tools in botany and plant science courses to teach students about plant anatomy, growth, and propagation.

19. Art and Craft Supplies: Dried chickpea axillary buds could be used in arts and crafts projects, such as making decorative items or creating natural textures in artworks.

20. Traditional and Cultural Uses: In some cultures, chickpea plants, including their axillary buds, may have traditional or cultural uses, which could include rituals, ceremonies, or symbolic purposes.

In conclusion, it is important to note that while these potential uses and products are conceivable, the practicality and feasibility of some of them may vary. Additionally, research and development would be needed to explore these possibilities further and determine their viability for commercial or practical applications. Chickpea axillary buds, as a relatively small and less-studied part of the plant, may have untapped potential that could be explored in the future.