A field experiment was conducted during the winter season (2023/2024) at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Kassala, Sudan, to study the effects of water stress and variety on growth and yield of chickpea. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The main plots were assigned to water stress treatments: irrigation every 8 days (W1), 12 days (W2), and 16 days (W3). Subplots were assigned to three chickpea varieties: Gezira (Gz), Atmour (At), and Baladi (B). The studied traits included plant height, dry weight, number of branches per plant, percentage of empty seeds, 100-seed weight, seed yield per hectare, and harvest index. In addition, relative water content (RWC), water use efficiency (WUE), and drought susceptibility index (DSI) were calculated. The results showed that water stress had a significant effect on plant height, dry weight, and days to 50% flowering and physiological maturity. Irrigation every 16 days (W3) significantly reduced these traits, while increasing water use efficiency and relative water content. Significant differences were observed among chickpea varieties in dry weight and days to physiological maturity. The Gezira and Atmour varieties matured 3 days later than the Baladi variety. The Atmour variety recorded the lowest values of RWC and WUE. Severe water stress (W3) significantly reduced seed yield, 100-seed weight, number of branches, and harvest index, while increasing the percentage of empty seeds, particularly in the Atmour variety. The yield reduction reached 38% in the Gezira variety under W3 compared to W1.The Baladi variety recorded the lowest drought susceptibility index (DSI) and stress intensity (SI), indicating better adaptation to water stress conditions in New Halfa. In contrast, the Gezira variety produced the highest yield under well-watered conditions (W1) but was highly affected by water stress. The Gezira variety is suitable under adequate irrigation, while the Baladi variety is more suitable for drought-prone conditions in New Halfa.
