Temperature-stratified screening of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genetic resource collections reveals very limited reproductive chilling tolerance compared to its annual wild relatives

► We present an extensive field evaluation of reproductive chilling tolerance in chickpea. ► Chickpea is even more temperature-sensitive than previously realized. ► The resultant pod set delay and increased terminal drought exposure is a problem in most of the world's production areas. ► Impaired pollen function resulting in reduced fertilization appears to be the rate-limiting step. ► A robust source of resistance has been identified in Cicer echinospermum, a close, readily-crossable chickpea wild relative.