Organization of seed breeding activities for leguminous crops and introduction of new varieties in conditions of piedmont and mountainous zones of Armenia

Abstract

The article presents the results of breeding new leguminous crop varieties at the Scientific Center of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia and the study results related to their testing and introduction in the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic. Upon the findings of field experiments and laboratory research conducted throughout 2020-2022, it has been disclosed that the piedmont and mountainous zones of the republic are quite favorable for the growth and development of new varieties of chickpea (Stella), lentil (Erebuni), pea (Kangun) and groundnut (Arina), which were bred at the scientific center with further subjection to state varietal testing. Meanwhile, through the study results, it has been proved, that all mentioned varieties have ensured higher yield capacity and protein content as compared to other regionalized crops in those zones, and thus, it has been recommended to introduce them in a wide range of farm households for further cultivation.