WATER-ABSORPTION IN CHICKPEA (C-ARIETINUM) AND FIELD PEA (P-SATIVUM) CULTIVARS USING THE PELEG MODEL

Moisture absorption in seven chickpea cultivars and three field pea cu ltivars was investigated at 5, 15, 25 and/or 42-degrees-C using the Pe leg model (M (t) = Mo + t/[K1 + K2t]). The Peleg constant K1 varied wi th temperature. At a given temperature, the lower the K1, the more wat er was absorbed. The Peleg constant K2 was almost unaffected by temper ature and could be used to predict the equilibrium water absorption. A constant K3 expressing the temperature effect on water absorption (K1 = K3T + K4) was developed to distinguish two types of chickpea - Desi and Kabuli. All chickpeas had similar composition and initial moistur e. The difference in water absorption rate was probably due to thickne ss and structure of the seed coat. The Peleg model could be used to pr edict water absorption in chickpea and field pea.