DEVELOPMENT

Sierra was developed by the US Department of Agriculture, Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit at Pullman, Washington in cooperation with the College of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University.

BREEDING HISTORY & DESCRIPTION

Sierra originated as an F8 selection from the cross ‘Dwelley//FLIP85-58/Spanish White’ made by F.J. Muehlbauer in 1992. Sierra is a large seeded Cafe type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with good resistance to ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei).

Plants are upright, average 51 cm (21 inches) tall, with a simple (unifoliolate) leaf structure. Seeds are “ramshead” shaped and wrinkled.

PEST & DISEASE RESISTANCE

Sierra has good resistance to Ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei), a disease that has caused serious damage to chickpea crops in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

YIELD DATA

Sierra has out yielded Dwelly and Sanford in yield trials.

SEED CLASSES AND PRODUCTION

The Washington State Crop Improvement Association will maintain breeder seed of Sierra.