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

August 29, 2023 Agric4Profits

Chickpea/Gram pea Epicotyl is an essential part of the chickpea plant’s embryonic structure, specifically found in the early stages of germination. The epicotyl is the region of the chickpea seedling that lies above the cotyledons. Cotyledons are the first leaves to emerge from the seed upon germination and serve as the initial food source for the young plant until it can establish its root system and begin photosynthesis. The epicotyl plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the chickpea plant during its early stages.

During germination, the seed absorbs water, initiating metabolic processes that activate enzymes responsible for breaking down stored nutrients within the seed. As these nutrients become available, the chickpea seedling begins to grow, and the epicotyl elongates, pushing the cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl develops into the stem of the young plant, and its primary function is to carry the cotyledons and eventually the true leaves above ground to access light for photosynthesis.

As the chickpea seedling continues to grow, the epicotyl forms the first set of true leaves, and the plant undergoes a transition from relying on stored food reserves to producing its energy through photosynthesis. The epicotyl also plays a role in positioning the seed leaves (cotyledons) and true leaves to optimize exposure to sunlight.

In summary, the chickpea epicotyl is a critical part of the early development of the chickpea plant, responsible for elongating and pushing the cotyledons and true leaves above ground to initiate photosynthesis and support the plant’s growth and establishment.

The Economic Importance and Uses of Chickpea/Gram Pea Epicot

The epicotyl is the region of a plant embryo that lies between the cotyledons (seed leaves) and the stem. In the case of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), the epicotyl is also known as the “hypocotyl” and plays a crucial role during germination.

It is economically important due to the following reasons:

1. Germination and Seedling Growth: The epicotyl is responsible for the emergence of the shoot in the early stages of seed germination. It elongates and pushes the cotyledons above the soil surface, allowing the seedling to access light and start photosynthesizing.

2. Crop Establishment: Healthy and vigorous seedlings are essential for successful crop establishment. The proper development of the epicotyl ensures that the young chickpea plants emerge uniformly from the soil, leading to better stand establishment and higher yields.

3. Resilience to Environmental Conditions: The epicotyl plays a critical role in allowing seedlings to adapt and survive adverse environmental conditions during germination and early growth stages. It helps the seedling to push through the soil and emerge, even in challenging conditions like compacted soils or shallow planting depths.

4. Influence on Plant Architecture: The length and strength of the epicotyl can influence the overall plant architecture, affecting factors such as plant height and branching pattern. This can have implications for crop management, ease of harvesting, and mechanical harvesting efficiency.

5. Genetic Improvement: Plant breeders may focus on enhancing specific traits related to the epicotyl, such as rapid emergence, resistance to soil-borne pathogens, or tolerance to environmental stresses, to develop improved chickpea varieties.

6. Stress Tolerance: The epicotyl of chickpeas can play a role in stress tolerance, particularly in response to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Understanding the genetic factors that influence epicotyl development can aid in breeding varieties that have enhanced resilience to these challenging environmental conditions

7. Early Vigor and Crop Performance: The epicotyl’s development and growth rate can be indicative of the seedling’s overall vigor and performance. Seedlings with strong and fast-growing epicotyls are likely to have better early growth, leading to higher crop yields.

8. Seedling Emergence and Stand Establishment: Chickpeas with robust epicotyls have a better chance of emerging quickly and uniformly from the soil. Timely and uniform emergence is critical for achieving a consistent plant stand, reducing competition between plants, and optimizing crop yields.

9. Disease Resistance: The epicotyl can influence the chickpea’s resistance to certain soil-borne diseases and pathogens. Breeders may select for specific epicotyl traits that contribute to disease resistance, leading to healthier crops and reducing the need for chemical interventions.

10. Mechanized Farming: The epicotyl’s characteristics can impact the ease of mechanical farming practices, such as precision planting and harvesting. Chickpea varieties with well-defined epicotyl traits that facilitate mechanical operations can lead to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.

11. Genomic Studies: Studying the genetics and molecular mechanisms underlying epicotyl development in chickpeas can provide valuable insights into broader plant developmental processes. This knowledge can be applied to other legume crops and even non-legume crops to improve their performance and adaptability.

12. Climate Change Adaptation: As climate change brings about shifts in environmental conditions, understanding the role of the epicotyl in chickpea germination and early growth can aid in developing climate-resilient varieties that can thrive under changing climate scenarios.

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

The epicotyl of chickpea, also known as the gram pea or garbanzo bean, contains various compounds and substances that can be utilized to create different products and by-products. Here’s a list of some of the main products and by-products that can be derived from chickpea epicotyl, along with their explanations, examples, and processes:

1. Chickpea Flour: Chickpea flour, also called gram flour or besan, is a versatile ingredient used in cooking and baking. It is made by grinding dried chickpea epicotyl into a fine powder. Chickpea flour is gluten-free and rich in protein, making it a popular choice for those with gluten sensitivities or following a plant-based diet.

2. Chickpea Protein Isolate: Chickpea protein isolate is a concentrated form of protein extracted from chickpea epicotyl. It is a valuable ingredient in the food industry, especially in vegan and vegetarian products to enhance their protein content.

3. Chickpea Oil: Chickpea oil is extracted from chickpea seeds, including the epicotyl, and is rich in unsaturated fats, making it a healthy cooking oil and a potential source of biofuel.

4. Chickpea Fiber: Chickpea fiber is a by-product obtained during the processing of chickpea flour or protein isolate. It contains dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

5. Chickpea Bioactive Compounds: Chickpea epicotyl contains various bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which have potential health benefits.

6. Animal Feed: Chickpea epicotyl residues, after processing for flour, protein, or oil extraction, can be used as animal feed, providing a good source of protein and fiber for livestock.

7. Chickpea Starch: Chickpea starch is obtained from the epicotyl and is a valuable ingredient in the food and textile industries. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in various food products and can also be used in the manufacturing of textiles and paper.

8. Chickpea Husks: The outer husk or skin of chickpea epicotyl is a by-product obtained during the processing of chickpeas for flour, protein, or oil. Chickpea husks can be repurposed for various applications.

9. Chickpea Protein Hydrolysates: Chickpea protein hydrolysates are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of chickpea protein isolates. These hydrolysates have improved functional properties and enhanced bioavailability of amino acids, making them suitable for various nutritional applications.

10. Chickpea Seedlings (Sprouts):The epicotyl portion of chickpea seeds can be germinated and used to produce chickpea seedlings, commonly known as sprouts. Chickpea sprouts are nutrient-dense and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

11. Chickpea Epicotyl Extracts: Extracts from chickpea epicotyl can be used for various purposes due to their bioactive compounds. These extracts can have antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory properties.

In conclusion, the economic importance of the chickpea epicotyl lies in its role in seedling emergence, stand establishment, crop performance, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. By studying and selecting for desirable epicotyl traits, plant breeders can develop improved chickpea varieties that contribute to higher yields, reduced input requirements, and enhanced resilience to changing environmental conditions. These advancements are essential to sustainably meet the growing global demand for this nutritious and versatile legume crop.