Eco-geographic distribution of Cicer isauricum P.H. Davis and threats to the species

Wild Cicer species are considered as useful genetic resources for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses due to limited resistance in cultivated chickpeas. As a wild perennial species in the genus Cicer L., Cicer isauricum P.H. Davis is an endemic species to Turkey and endangered status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Here we report on its eco-geographic distribution and environmental stresses that affect the species, and advocate for its in situ and ex situ conservation. A new population of the species was discovered in Geyikbayiri, Gulluk Mountains in Antalya, Turkey. Cicer isauricum not only suffers from significant biotic stresses such as ascochyta blight [Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr.], pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) and broomrape (Orobanche sp.), but is also subjected to drought and heat stress in its habitat. Infection with ascochyta blight in natural habitats was diagnosed by molecular techniques, and pod borer and broomrape were observed only phenotypically. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region of genomic DNA from cultured fungal isolates, yielded sequences with 100% nucleotide identity with the corresponding sequence in GeneBank for Didymella rabiei Kovachevski (anamorph: A. rabiei). The pathogen may have co-evolved with C. isauricum in the newly discovered site. Because C. isauricum is exposed to drought and accompanying heat stress in its natural habitat, it appears able to tolerate heat stress up to 45 °C during podding stage and terminal drought in late summer from its woody, deep rooting. C. isauricum bears multiple flowers per axil, a potentially useful trait in cultivated chickpea. In conclusion, C. isauricum is a potential genetic source for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, in need of greater protection due to its endangered status.