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Gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is a very destructive and serious pest of gram and causes serious damage to the crop. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba, Jammu and Kashmir conducted on-farm trials (OFTs) during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at farmers' fields to assess the efficacy of a new insecticide for the management of gram pod borer in gram. Treatments used were chloropyriphos 20EC @ 2 ml per litre of water (farmers' practice), cypermethrin 25EC @ 1.5 ml per litre of water (recommended) and emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water (intervention). During 2021-22, in case of emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water, 76.34 per cent reduction in damage to pods was observed over farmers' practice (chlorpyriphos). The yield of gram was 92.31 per cent higher due to the emamectin benzoate over farmers' practice. During 2022-23, emamectin benzoate caused 78.26 per cent less damage to gram over farmers' practice. There was an increase of 82.14 per cent in yield due to emamectin benzoate application over farmers' practice. In 2021-22, emamectin benzoate resulted in B-C ratio of 4.51 as against 2.52 in cypermethrin and 1.86 in chlorpyriphos treatments. In 2022-23, emamectin benzoate gave a B-C ratio of 4.62 in comparison to 2.63 and 2.08 in cypermethrin and chlorpyriphos treatments respectively. Therefore, the use of emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water can be recommended for the control of pod borer in gram crop under rainfed conditions of Samba, Jammu and Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt is one of the most severe disease of chickpea crop caused by Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp ciceri (FOC). Which is a soil born pathogen and can stay for prolonged period in soil even in absence of favourable conditions. Moreover many research reports have been observed showing a great variation in Fusarium pathogenicity among pathogen isolates from chickpea rhizosphere. Because of which identification of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of wilt pathogen has been a big challenge so far and, has been difficult in development and selection of resistant variety for fusarium wilt management strategies. The possible solution is to study phenotypic and pathogenic variability in the Fusarium pathogen. Therefore, in the current research FOC isolates, isolated from two districts of Bundelkhand region and studied their phenotypic and pathogenic variability. Colony characteristics of Fusarium wilt pathogen such as shape, margin, texture etc. were observed for FOC identification. To study the phenotypic and pathogenic variability, FOC isolates were categorised based on the culture pigmentation and further tested their pathogenicity. Pigmentation of FOC isolates have a wide range includes cottony white, white with ting of orange and white with violet and pale-yellow pigmentation. Macro and microconidia with resting spores (Chlamydospores) were also observed. Pathogenic variability of FOC isolates was measured by pathogenicity test on JG-62 cultivar. Total seventeen FOC isolates were studied, Out of which five FOC isolates were found highly pathogenic, whereas only one isolate was found weakly pathogenic, rest FOC isolates were moderately pathogenic. Hence our results confirmed that all the isolates of Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp. ciceri have reported great variation in their both phenotypic as well as pathogenic variability, and the results are steppingstone for further building research in breeding and management strategies of fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important legume crops and is cultivated large-scale throughout Türkiye as well as the world. Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungal phytopathogen Ascochyta rabiei, is the leading reason for the highest yield losses among the diseases known for chickpea. The pathogen exhibits high genetic diversity in Türkiye. Therefore, resistancy using Sequence Tagged Microsatellite Site (STMS) markers related with the genes that provide resistance against Ascochyta blight was investigated for the 205 chickpea breeding lines grown in different parts of Türkiye. The analysis for Ascochyta blight resistance was performed using Ta2, Ta146 and Ts54. It was demonstrated that Ta2, Ts54 and Ta146 were the STMS markers having distinguishable features for the detection of Ascochyta blight resistance and were shown to be used in credible fashion for the selection of resistant chickpea breeding lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogen was isolated from wilted plants collected from the research farm of JNKVV, Jabalpur (2019-20) and was identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris based on of cultural and morphological characters. A total of 14 Seed endophytic bacteria were isolated from chickpea seeds by using the serial dilution technique. SEB was used to evaluate their antagonism activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris by using a dual culture experiment on nutrient agar and PDA based solid media. The results of the dual culture experiment revealed that five SEB were reported to be effective in inhibition of fungal pathogens of chickpea, where, SEB-5 had shown the highest inhibition with 79.58% followed by SEB-3 (74.83%), SEB-2 (67.78%), SEB-1 (67.62%) and SEB-4 (50.36%) on PDA. In case of nutrient agar medium maximum inhibition (76.03%) was found in SEB-5 isolate followed by SEB-3 (73.71%), SEB-2 (65.16%), SEB-1 (59.28%) and SEB-4 (49.50%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizospheric fungal antagonists activity against phytopathogen by production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In vitro assessments revealed their antibiosis and mycoparasitic ability to affect growth of the pathogen. Soil borne fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes were identified and used as antagonistic microbes against some soil borne pathogens. The efficacy of volatile and non-volatile metabolites produced by 14 selected dominant microbes against the common fungal test pathogens (F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri & lini) were suppressed with colony interaction, volatile, and non-volatile metabolites emanated from different leaf surface microbes like Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, A. luchuensis, Trichoderma harzianum, Penicillium citrinum, Streptomyces rimosus, and S. aureofaciens and prior application of these antagonists effectively reduced the development of Fusarium wilt in chick pea and linseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field studies on bio-efficacy of imidacloprid 600 FS as seed treatment for the control of termites on chick pea and compared with chlorpyriphos 20 EC. Significantly lower plant damage was observed in seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 1.2 and 1.5 g a.i./kg seed and was comparable with chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 2.0 g a.i./kg. The analysis of two years trials showed that grain yield was significantly higher in imidacloprid 600 FS @ 1.2 and 1.5 g a.i./kg seed (1367.62 and 1381.12 kg/ha) which was at par with chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 2.0 g a.i./kg seed (1389.50 kg/ha). Higher % yield increase over control and avoidable yield losses were recorded in upper doses of imidacloprid 600 FS and chlorpyriphos 20EC and net returns over control, these treatments were also better. Thus, it may be concluded that seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 1.2 g a.i./kg seed can be used effectively for the control of termites in chick pea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea beetle is one of the major resistances to chickpea storage. The need of resisting growth of cowpea beetle is necessary of safe storage. We have studied the growth of C. maculatus on Vigna unguiculata, Vigna radiata and Vigna angularis under different temperature and humidity conditions. Tree Eucalyptus is used to analysis the control of C. maculatus. Different concentration and various product of Tree Eucalyptus is used to analysis control measure of cowpea beetle. This Extract is used with different concentration of T. Eucalyptus. Leave of T. Eucalyptus, its shell and Fruits extract is used along with different concentration level. It is observed that Tree Eucalyptus is a strong resistance control for cowpea beetle. Result analysis concludes that Tree Eucalyptus leaf extracts with 30% and 20% of distilled water concentration is the best control prevention for cowpea beetle on chickpeas. Cowpea prevention is resisted to 85-95% on Day 2 after treatment of 20% and 30% concentration of Tree Eucalyptus leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma isolates isolated from different chick pea growing areas of Andhra Pradesh region were studied ITSPCR. Collection of 16 isolates was further characterized into two main clades by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. Consequently, a reliable phylogenetic tree was constructed containing isolates belonging to two groups. Group 1, the T. aspergillum, T. longibrachiatum Trichoderma spp. and Group II was outgroup includes T. viride, T. asperillum and T. asperelloides complex. The phylogenetic analysis showed many solitary clades of T. asperellum, which indicates that more diversity among the T. asperellum. Further, this analysis showed less bootstrap values indicates instability of the clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with thiamine were prepared and characterized. • Application of prepared nanoparticle enhanced germination % and growth in chickpea. • Nanoparticle treatment also stimulated IAA production in chickpea seedlings. • Foliar treatment enhances protection of chickpea seedlings to wilt disease. Abstract Nanoencapsulation is considered as one of the unique technique for increasing the bioavailability, solubility and retention time of bioactive compounds. In this study, thiamine was incorporated into the chitosan nanoparticles and characterized through FTIR, DLS, SEM, TEM and XRD analyses. Zeta potential of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be 37.7 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of chitosan nanoparticle was 90 ± 3%. Application of thiamine loaded chitosan nanoparticle enhanced seed germination and growth of chickpea seedlings when compared to untreated control seeds. Treated seedlings showed enhanced production of indole acetic acid (IAA). Foliar application of synthesized nanoparticle induced defense enzymes in leaves and roots of chickpea plants. Decreased cell death in the chickpea roots of treated plants was observed when compared to control under green house condition. These results showed that the thiamine loaded chitosan nanoparticle can be used as a growth stimulator as well as a defense activator in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, insecticidal efficacy of seven different local diatomaceous earths (DE) obtained from different deposits in Turkey together with two commercial DEs, Silicosec® (Biofa AG- Germany) and Desect® (Ep Naturals- America) against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchninae) an important pest of stored chickpea at five different concentrations (100, 300, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm) was evaluated. The local DEs were coded as BGN, BHN, AG2N, AC2N, CB2N, CCN, FB2N. Mortality of the adults was assessed after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of exposure, and consequently progeny (F1) production on treated chickpeas was recorded 42 days later. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions of 25±1 °C, 55±5 % R.H. in a dark place. The most effective DEs after 1 day of exposure were CCN, AG2N and BHN causing 75%, 59%, 58% mortalities, respectively at 1500 ppm concentration. Silicosec®, Desect®, BGN, AC2N, applied at 1500 ppm concentration achieved 98-100% mortality of C.maculatus after 7 days of exposure, showing similar high insecticidal efficacy. The CCN, BHN, AG2N and CB2N caused 97-99% reduction in progeny (F1) production. Generally, increasing concentration significantly reduced the progeny production. In conclusion, this study has shown that three Turkish DEs, namelyCCN, AG2N and BHN highly toxic to C. maculatus after 3 days of exposurein comparison with commercial DEs Silicosec® and Desect®. These local DEs could be used in the management of pests of stored chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND This work reports the isolation and screening of rhizospheric microflora of chickpea and their role in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The antifungal potential of AgNPs for control of wilt disease of chickpea, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (FOC) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo pot experiments. The effect of AgNPs on seed germination and soil community was also evaluated. RESULTS: Among microbial strains, two bacteria, Pseudomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp. and two fungi, Trichoderma sp. and Cephalosporium sp., were identified for biosynthesis of AgNPs. AgNPs were confirmed by UV‐visible spectra (λ = 420 nm) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with size 20–50 nm. AgNPs showed very high antifungal activity (95%) against FOC in vitro at 100 µgmL−1 concentration. Pot experiments showed maximum and minimum reduction in wilt incidence over control, i.e. 73.33% for AgNPs and copper‐oxychloride (CuOCl) i.e. 26.67%, respectively. Seeds coated with AgNPs showed high germinability up to 98% and no negative impact was observed on soil community. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the role of AgNPs against the fungal disease of chickpea that can be extended to other diseases of chickpea and other important Indian crops. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pheromones are species specific chemicals which are biodegradable, eco-friendly, chemically safe, and required in ultra low dosages and used as efficient tool for insect pest management. Efficiency of pheromone traps used for pest control depends on air borne pheromone stimulus, in specific ratio and concentration released from septa. Field longevity of synthetic lures for Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctudae) and efficacy of different septa were evaluated by mass trapping experiments in Pantnagar, India. The longevity (shelf life) of septa impregnated with pheromone components (Hexadecenol) and 97:3 blend (Z-11-hexadecenal and Z-9-Hexadecenal) were studied by gas chromatographic estimation of the residual pheromone remaining on the septa at different time interval and temperature conditions. The rubber eraser septum is found to be most effective one. This study is helpful to popularize the pheromone technology in farmers as they can store the already loaded septa and use them for control of H.armigera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ascochyta blight (AB) caused by the fungal pathogen Ascochyta rabiei is a serious foliar disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Despite many genetic studies on chickpea‐Ascochyta interaction, genome‐wide scan of chickpea for the identification of AB‐associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and their gene(s) has not been accomplished. To elucidate narrow QTLs for AB resistance, here, we report the use of multiple QTL‐sequencing approach on 2 sets of extreme AB phenotype bulks derived from Cicer intraspecific and interspecific crosses. Two major QTLs, qABR4.1 and qABR4.2, and a minor QTL, qABR4.3, were identified on assembled chickpea pseudomolecule 4. We narrowed qABR4.1 to a “robust region” at 4.568–4.618 Mb through mapping on a larger intraspecific cross‐derived population and comparative analysis. Among 4 genes, the CaAHL18 gene showed higher expression under Ascochyta stress in AB resistant parent suggesting that it is the candidate gene under “robust qABR4.1.” Dual‐luciferase assay with CaAHL18 polymorphic cis‐regulatory sequences showed that allelic variation is associated with higher expression. Thus, our findings on chickpea‐Ascochyta interaction have narrowed down AB resistance associated QTLs on chickpea physical map. The narrowed QTLs and gene‐associated markers will help in biotechnological and breeding programs for chickpea improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity and fusarium resistance of 50 cultivated chickpea genotypes was studied using ISSR and RAPD markers. The results of both marker systems were consistent with each other, but was somewhat higher for RAPDs. A total of 48 fragments were obtained with both markers together, 32.7% of which were polymorphic. Molecular characterisation through ISSR and RAPD data indicated low genetic variation (GDI=0.39; PIC=0.21) among local and introduced chickpea accessions. The genetic distance values ranged from 0 to 0.134, with a mean of 0.05. The low genetic diversity indicated that new genotypes must be introduced to increase the variability of chickpea germplasm in Azerbaijan. As a result of screening for resistance to fusarium most of genotypes were found to have 600 bp fragment of OPJ20 linked with Foc01 resistance gene, while none of them had resistance gene to Foc4. The results could provide information for future chickpea breeding activities and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to investigate dynamic and combined effects of soil nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and biotic factors on disease severity of Fusarium wilt in chickpea (AUDPC). Chickpeas were harvested, 180 days after onset of experiment, from eight natural infested soils during two years (2016 and 2017) and assessed for rhizospheric nitrogen (N-TotalR) and phosphorus availability (Olsen-P) in relation to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceris inoculum density (ID-Foc), Trichoderma spp, and Pseudomonas spp as well as nitrogen (N-TotalPL) and phosphorus (P-TotalPL) plants uptake. The results showed that high level of ID-Foc significantly increased AUDPC values. It was found that ID-Foc was negatively correlated with Olsen-P and positively correlated with N-TotalR. Accordingly, AUDPC values were positively correlated with high concentrations of N-TotalR (r=0.77** in 2016, r=0.94*** in 2017) while negatively correlated with high concentrations of Olsen-P (r=-0.73** in 2016, r=-0.79** in 2017). In addition, AUDPC values showed negative interactions with N-TotalPL (r=-0.80** in 2016, r=-0.78** in 2017), whereas positive interactions with P-TotalPL (r=0.80** in 2016, r=0.87** in 2017). Moreover, AUDPC values were negatively associated with Pseudomonas spp and nodosity during the two years of study as with Trichoderma spp in 2017. The results demonstrated that wilt disease severity was strongly associated with nutrients and biological soil properties. It can be assumed that soils with highest Olsen-P levels, Trichoderma spp and Pseudomonas spp can help Fusarium wilt suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is a major food legume crop in the mid-highlands of Ethiopia where its yield is negatively impacted by the wilt and root rot disease complex. The pathogens associated with WRR complex and their associations with biophysical factors have not been well understood in the past. We report here a survey of five major chickpea-growing regions covering 30 districts in the central and northern highlands of Ethiopia. The associations between disease parameters and biophysical factors were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Moreover, pathogens associated with wilt and root rot were identified, and their frequency of occurrence was determined. Mean percent wilt and root rot incidence and percent severity index were the highest in Gojam followed by Gondar and the lowest in Shoa. The major pathogens associated with infected roots were Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Rhizoctonia solani . The most frequently isolated pathogen was F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris followed by R. solani . Moreover, significant (P < .001) associations between disease parameters and planting date and between weeding practice and soil and chickpea types were observed. High disease incidence and percent severity index showed high probability of association with planting date and chickpea types. Desi chickpea and chickpea that were planted early in the season had approximately 2 and 9 times greater probability of experiencing a high disease incidence and a 6–5 times greater probability of experiencing high wilt and root rot severity, respectively. High disease incidence and percent severity index were also correlated with weed infestation and planting on heavy black soils. Therefore, late planting, appropriate weeding, and the use of chickpea cultivars with a high level of resistance are important options to manage WRR complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt is caused by F. oxysporum Schlecht end. Fr. f. sp. ciceris (FOC) is a devastating disease of chickpea in Algeria. In this study, antagonistic effects of B. subtilis MF352017 (Bs1) and Trichoderma harzianum KX523899 (T5) isolated from the rhizosphere of chickpea were investigated separately and in combination for their efficacy in controlling the disease in vivo. The efficacy of the antagonistic biocontrol agents on Fusarium wilt was evaluated based on vegetative and root growth parameters of chickpea. Seed bacterisation with B. subtilis MF352017 (Bs1) and seed treatment with T. harzianum (T5) significantly protected chickpea seedlings from FOC as compared to untreated plants. Plant protection was more pronounced in T. harzianum-treated plants than in bacterised plants. The application of both antagonists effectively suppressed 93.67% of the disease and also enhanced plant growth leading to increased plant height, root length, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root. The mixture of antagonists increased the effectiveness of B. subtilis MF352017 (Bs1) isolate on Fusarium wilt and improved chickpea growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the defense response of Chickpea wilt resistant and susceptible cultivars inoculated with pathogen Fusarium oxyporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc). Evaluation of pre-induced and pathogen-induced defense at 7 (S1), 15 (S2) and 30 (S3) days showed that the enzymatic activities differed not only within the root, stem and leaves but also between susceptible and resistant cultivars of chickpea and increased after inoculation with Foc. Peroxidase (PO) activity increased in all the tissues from S1 to S2 and declined thereafter. Conspicuous changes occurred at the rate of increase in activity of the enzyme between resistant and susceptible cultivars upon Foc inoculation over their corresponding control at the S2. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in resistant cultivars increased by 30% with over uninoculated control and induction was up to S3. The level of enzyme activity diminished from S2 to S3 and even fell below control levels in susceptible cultivars. Catalase (CAT) activity followed peroxidase trend however it was induced at S1 in Foc inoculated and at S2 in un-inoculated plants. Increase in CAT induction was significant in leaf tissues of infected plants and continued up to S3. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity increased from S1 to S2 and thereafter it either slightly decreased or remained unchanged at S3. Foc inoculation elicited a sharp increase in PAL activity in the leaf and stem tissue of resistant cultivars. Foc inoculated induced β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity in the test cultivars. Maximum induction of chitinase was observed at S2 in roots of resistant cultivars whereas un-inoculated plants showed much less conspicuous changes. β-1,3-glucanase activity was high in stem tissues. Both control and challenged plants had higher levels of β-1,3-glucanase activity at S2 and S3, but the proportionate increase was much higher in resistant cultivars. The expression pattern of these defense enzymes reveals their use as established resistance markers and provides scope for manipulating their expression and development of wilt-resistant transgenic chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris causes extensive damage to chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) in many parts of the world. In the central part of India, pathogen race 2 ( Foc 2) causes severe yield losses. We initiated molecular marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) using desi cultivar, Vijay, as a donor to introgress resistance to this race ( Foc2) in Pusa 256, another elite desi cultivar of chickpea. To confirm introgression of resistance for this race, foreground selection was undertaken using two SSR markers (TA 37 and TA110), with background selection to observe the recovery of recurrent parent genome using 45 SSRs accommodated in 8 multiplexes. F plants were confirmed with molecular markers and backcrossed with Pusa 256, followed by cycles of foreground and background selection at each stage to generate 161 plants in BCF during the period 2009-2013. Similarly, 46 BCF plants were also generated in another set during the same period. On the basis of foreground selection, 46 plants were found homozygotes in BCF. Among them, 17 plants recorded >91% background recovery with the highest recovery percentage of 96%. In BCF also, 14 hybrid plants recorded a background recovery of >85% with the highest background recovery percentage of >94%. The identified plants were selfed to obtain 1341 BCF and 2198 BCF seeds which were screened phenotypically for resistance to fusarium wilt (race 2) besides doing marker analysis. Finally, 17 BCF and 11 BCF lines were obtained which led to identification of 5 highly resistant lines of Pusa 256 with Foc 2 gene introgressed in them. Development of these lines will help in horizontal as well as vertical expansion of chickpea in central part of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weather based prediction model for Helicoverpa armigera was developed and validated using pheromone trap catches data collected in chickpea crop sown on three different dates during 2015-16 and validated for 2016-17. The first catch of male moth of H. armigera was recorded during 1st standard meteorological week (SMW) in early sown crop, while in normal and late sown the first trap catches were noticed during 3rd and 5th SMW respectively. H. armigera adult trap catches then increased gradually and reached their peaks simultaneously during 12thSMW with 32.3, 37.3 and 44.3 moths/trap/week in early, normal and late sown chickpea crop respectively. Male moth population had highest significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature of 2-lag week in early and normal sowing of chickpea. Morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity of current, 1-lag and 2-lag week were negatively correlated with trap catches. The rainfall of 1-lag week and sunshine hours of current week exhibited maximum positive association with male moth population. Weather based prediction models were developed for male trap catches of crop under normal date of sowing and weather factors of current, 1-lag and 2-lag week. By stepwise regression, Tmin, RH1 and SSH were found to be important weather factors that influenced the trap catches of H. armigera. The pest-weather model was validated satisfactorily with R2 = 0.751, RMSE=2.13%, MBE=-1.08% and MAE= 1.51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podborer is a major pest of chickpea in Ethiopia. Field surveys were conducted in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 in central and northwestern Ethiopia to assess the prevalence and within field distribution of the pest. Although podborer was prevalent throughout the surveyed areas, there was a significant difference in larval density (0.10–3.75 larvae per m2) among zones and districts within zones. This variation was attributed to cropping history, cropping patterns, chickpea-crop adjacency, and weather (rainfall and temperature) conditions before and during the season as well as control measures applied. The optimum sample size required for precision ranged from 98, when podborer density was 10/m2, to 1045, when podborer density was ≤1/m2. Within field distribution of the larvae fitted a negative binomial distribution indicating that the larvae had a clumped/aggregated dispersion pattern. These results will enable chickpea stakeholders to develop and apply appropriate integrated crop management techniques for the control of podborer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Macrophomina phaseolina is the most devastating pathogen which causes charcoal rot and root rot diseases in various economically important crops. Three strains M. phaseolina 1156, M. phaseolina 1160, and M. phaseolina PCMC/F1 were tested for their virulence on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The strains showed high virulence on both hosts with a disease score of 2 on chickpea and sunflower. The strains also increased the hydrogen per oxide (H2O2) content by 1.4- to 1.6-fold in root as well as shoot of chickpea and sunflower. A significant increase in antioxidant enzymes was observed in fungal infected plants which indicated prevalence of oxidative stress during pathogen propagation. The M. phaseolina strains also produced hydrolytic enzymes such as lipase, amylase, and protease with solubilization zone of 5-43 mm, 5-45 mm, and 12-35 mm, respectively. The M. phaseolina strains were identified by 18S rRNA and analyzed for genetic diversity by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The findings based on RAPD markers and 18S rRNA sequence analysis clearly indicate genetic variation among the strains collected from different hosts. The genetically diverse strains were found to be pathogenic to sunflower and chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting microbes are known for protection of plants against a number of phytopathogens. In the present study, we used Pseudomonas fluorescens OKC and Trichoderma asperellum T42 singly as well as in combination in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under challenge of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). Two cultivars of chickpea were used, viz., L550 susceptible to Foc and Avarodhi resistant to Foc. Root exudates obtained from the two cultivars of chickpea were analyzed and showed higher amount of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) accumulated in the microbe-treated plants compared to microbe un-treated control. Maximum phenolic content was observed in exudates of OKC treated plants in both cultivars. Interestingly, in OKC treated plants, TPC was higher in the exudates of the susceptible cultivar L550 compared to the resistant cultivar Avrodhi. Gallic acid content in the exudates also confirmed the pattern of TPC in the treatments. Wilting due to Foc was significantly reduced in the OKC and T42 treated plants compared to the untreated plants and thereby showed a positive correlation between TPC in exudates and reduction in Fusarium wilt. Higher TPC in the susceptible cultivar compared to the resistant cultivar clearly indicates the roles of OKC and T42 in reducing the wilt symptom whereas no wilting in the resistant cultivar may be explained due to genetic factor. High total chlorophyll content in the OKC and T42 treated plants of L550 also show the role of the microbes in maintaining a good health of the Foc challenged plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of work was the investigation of the input of chosen heavy metals into chickpea and polyphenols accumulation in seeds cultivated after Zn and Cu application into soil in model conditions. The soil used in the pot trial was uncontaminated. Chickpea (cv. Slovák) was harvested in full ripeness. With increased Zn (Cu) doses applied into the soil (0-500 and 0-100 mg.kg-1 for Zn and Cu, respectively), the strong statistical positive relationship between soil Zn (Cu) content and Zn (Cu) amount in seeds of chickpea was confirmed. Despite of high Zn (Cu) doses applied into the soil in model conditions, in all variants the determined Zn and Cu amount in chickpea was below the maximal allowed content in foodstuffs. Chickpea cv. Slovák accumulated high amounts of Pb and Cd (in all variants higher than hygienic limits). The contents of other tested heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr) were lower than hygienic limits. With increased Zn doses applied into the soil the polyphenols contents determined in seeds of chickpea were increased. With increased Cu doses applied into the soil the polyphenols contents determined in seeds of chickpea were decreased. The strong statistical relationship between soil Zn content and polyphenols amount (R=0.911) as well as the antioxidant capacity values (R=0.992) was confirmed. The moderate statistical linear negative relationship between soil Cu content and polyphenols content (R= - 0.671) and increased antioxidant capacity values in seeds of chickpea was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important food legume cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. It is known that chickpea thrives well under drought prone condition. However, heat stress during reproductive development can cause significant yield loss and there is a greater variability for yield performance of chickpea under heat stress. It is extremely important to develop screening tools for identification of thermotolerant chickpea genotypes in view of increase in average global temperatures. In this context, a lab experiment was conducted to standardize the temperature induction response (TIR) protocol for chickpea seedlings using WGC-450 programmable plant growth chamber. Temperatures were standardized as sub lethal i.e. challenging temperatures as 38-480C (for 4 hours &30 min) and lethal temperatures as 500C (for 3 hours). This technique can be used as a potential tool to identify and select temperature tolerant lines at the seedling stage from a large population. A set of diverse chickpea germplasm comprising of 57 genotypes were screened for intrinsic tolerance using the standardized Thermo Induced Response (TIR) protocol. Among the genotypes NBeG-528,NBeG-458,NBeG-511,NBeG-177,NBeG-747,NBeG-732 and VIHAR showed highest thermo tolerance in terms of higher seedling survival with no reduction in root and shoot growth. The genotypes with intrinsic heat tolerance can be explored for the development of varieties suitable for late sown conditions in Andhra Pradesh where chickpea is prone to terminal heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants’ reaction to underground microorganisms is complex as sessile nature of plants compels them to prioritize their responses to diverse microorganisms both pathogenic and symbiotic. Roots of important crops are directly exposed to diverse microorganisms, but investigations involving root pathogens are significantly less. Thus, more studies involving root pathogens and their target crops are necessitated to enrich the understanding of underground interactions. Present study reported the molecular complexities in chickpea during Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri Race 1 (Foc1) infection. Transcriptomic dissections using RNA-seq showed significantly differential expression of molecular transcripts between infected and control plants of both susceptible and resistant genotypes. Radar plot analyses showed maximum expressional undulations after infection in both susceptible and resistant plants. Gene ontology and functional clustering showed large number of transcripts controlling basic metabolism of plants. Network analyses demonstrated defense components like peptidyl cis/trans isomerase, MAP kinase, beta 1,3 glucanase, serine threonine kinase, patatin like protein, lactolylglutathione lyase, coproporphyrinogen III oxidase, sulfotransferases; reactive oxygen species regulating components like respiratory burst oxidase, superoxide dismutases, cytochrome b5 reductase, glutathione reductase, thioredoxin reductase, ATPase; metabolism regulating components, myo inositol phosphate, carboxylate synthase; transport related gamma tonoplast intrinsic protein, and structural component, ubiquitins to serve as important nodals of defense signaling network. These nodal molecules probably served as hub controllers of defense signaling. Functional characterization of these hub molecules would not only help in developing better understanding of chickpea-Foc1 interaction but also place them as promising candidates for resistance management programs against vascular wilt of legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty nine land races from 42 countries and 62 elite breeding lines developed at Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, were screened against Fusarium wilt (race 2) under sick-field. Among land races the per cent wilted plants at seedling and reproductive stages ranged between 0 to 31.5% and 3.1 to 100%, respectively. Eightland races (ILC8632, ILC8666 ILC10729, ILC0, ILC1313, ILC211, ILC68 andILC0) were found highly resistant.The per centage of early wilting among elite breeding lines consisting of 'desi' and 'kabuli' types ranged between 0 to 28.5% and late wilting ranged between 0 to 100%. In 'kabuli' type chickpea, 10 genotypes (IPCK2012-129, IPCK2012-141, IPCK2012-258, IPCK2012-306,IPCK2012-132, IPCK2012-137, IPCK2012-138, IPCK2012-140, IPCK2012-143, IPCK2012-144)) and in 'desi' type, 15 genotypes(IPC2012-03, IPC2012-10, IPC2012-20 and IPC2012-28, IPC2012-02, IPC2012-04, IPC2012-05, IPC2012-13, IPC2012-18, IPC2012-19, IPC2012-21, IPC2012-24, IPC2012-25, IPC2012-26 and IPC2012-29) were found highly resistant/ resistant. Local severity index (LSI) was higher for land races (71.7%) compared to elite breeding lines (27.8%). Among elite breeding lines least LSI was noticed in 'desi' type (23.6%) in comparison to 'kabuli' type genotypes (32.1%). In the present study, high level of resistance was observed in elite breeding lines compared to land races. The genotypes found resistant to wilt in the present study may be exploited for development of Fusarium wilt resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is an important crop worldwide. Fungi of the genus Fusarium are among the most aggressive pathogens of chickpea, causing plant wilt and/or root rot. The incidence of soilborne pathogens can be reduced by increasing the microbial diversity in the rhizosphere. To improve soil suppressiveness against Fusarium spp., we optimized a microbial consortium consisting in a mixture of bacterial isolates selected from the naturally occurring microflora in the chickpea rhizosphere. Methods: Beneficial rhizobacteria were selected based on i) their mutual compatibility when grown in mixture, ii) antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 0 and F. solani f. sp. pisi and iii) growth promoting capacity on chickpea. Results: The best results were obtained by using a consortium consisting of a mixture of four bacterial isolates: Serratia marcescens isolate 59, Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate 57, Rahnella aquatilis isolate 36 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolate 63. Conclusions: This microbial consortium efficiently controlled both Fusarium pathogens, with a consistently higher efficacy compared to those of bacteria applied individually. The putative mechanisms involved in the interaction between antagonists, plant and Fusarium are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilmed biofertilizers have emerged as a new improved inoculant technology to provide efficient nutrient and pest management and sustain soil fertility. In this investigation, development of a Trichoderma viride- Mesorhizobium ciceri biofilmed inoculant was undertaken, which we hypothesized, would possess more effective biological nitrogen fixing ability and plant growth promoting properties. As a novel attempt, we selected Mesorhizobium ciceri spp. with good antifungal attributes with the assumption that such inoculants could also serve as biocontrol agents. These biofilms exhibited significant enhancement in several plant growth promoting attributes, including 13-21 % increase in seed germination, production of ammonia, IAA and more than onefold to twofold enhancement in phosphate solubilisation, when compared to their individual partners. Enhancement of 10-11 % in antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri was also recorded, over the respective M. ciceri counterparts. The effect of biofilms and the M. ciceri cultures individual on growth parameters of chickpea under pathogen challenged soil illustrated that the biofilms performed at par with the M. ciceri strains for most plant biometrical and disease related attributes. Elicitation of defense related enzymes like l-phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase was higher in M. ciceri/biofilm treated plants as compared to uninoculated plants under pathogen challenged soil. Further work on the signalling mechanisms among the partners and their tripartite interactions with host plant is envisaged in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) contributes 18% of the global production of grain legume and serves as an important source of dietary protein. An important decrease in cropping area and production has been recorded during the last two decades. Several biotic and abiotic constraints underlie this decrease. Despite the efforts deployed in breeding and selection of several chickpea varieties with high yield potential that are tolerant to diseases, the situation has remained the same for the last decade. Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is the major soil-borne fungus affecting chickpeas globally. Fusarium wilt epidemics can devastate crops and cause up to 100% loss in highly infested fields and under favorable conditions. To date, eight pathogenic races of Foc (races 0, 1A, 1B/C, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) have been reported worldwide. The development of resistant cultivars is the most effective method to manage this disease and to contribute to stabilizing chickpea yields. Development of resistant varieties to fusarium wilt in different breeding programs is mainly based on conventional selection. This method is time-consuming and depends on inoculum load and specific environmental factors that influence disease development. The use of molecular tools offers great potential for chickpea improvement, specifically by identifying molecular markers closely linked to genes/QTLs controlling fusarium wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of endophytic Streptomyces spp. viz ., S. diastaticus , S. fradiae , S. olivochromogenes , S. collinus , S. ossamyceticus , and S. griseus to trigger systemic resistance and mitigate oxidative stress in chickpea against Sclerotium rolfsii . The role of endophytes stimulating systemic resistance was evaluated by seed treatments in pathogen inoculated chickpea. Substantial increase in defense related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), along with the accumulation of total phenolics and flavonoids in S. griseus was noticed in plants inoculated with S. rolfsii . Similarly, a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (PO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) was observed in the same treatment which favors least lipid peroxidation in chickpea under pathogenic stress. In addition, under scanning electron microscope S. griseus primed plants showed undamaged tissue in the collar region. Furthermore, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes encoding SOD , PO , PAL , APX , catalase, chitinase and β-glucanase showed significant fold change which corroborated well with the above findings. These results indicate that the chickpea defense pathway is triggered after perception of endophytes to synthesize various enzymes, which led to an induced resistance against S. rolfsii . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the comparative analysis of five genetic markers viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC), BOX-elements, mating type (MAT) locus and microsatellites for genetic analysis of virulent isolates ofFusarium oxysporumf. sp.ciceri(FOC) representing seven races from chickpea. Phylogenetic analysis of translation elongation factor 1-α and internal transcribed spacer region separated all the FOC isolates into two major clades. Majority of the isolates (FOC 63, FOC 33, FOC 40, FOC 100, FOC 6, FOC 22, FOC 31, FOC 79 and NDFOC 98) representing race 1, 2, 5 and 6 grouped in clade I, while isolates (FOC 90, FOC 108 and FOC 88) belonging to race 3, 4 and 7 were clustered in clade II. Isolates (FOC 33, FOC 40, FOC 17 and FOC 100) representing race 2 had MAT-2 loci, while race 1 isolates (FOC 63, FOC 72 and FOC 76) contained MAT-1 loci only. The principal component analysis (PCA) of RAPD, ERIC, BOX and microsatellite marker data explained 39.94, 39.98, 42.04 and 62.59% of the total variation among test isolates, respectively. Furthermore, there was no correlation existed between genetic diversity, virulence, race compositions or geographic origin of the isolates. Overall, these findings will assist in better understanding of the genetic variability and ideally, will improve disease management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Black root rot, caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi, is a devastating soil-borne disease in chickpea in Iran with no effective control measures. With the aim of finding applicable biocontrol agents to alleviate the malady, isolates of Actinomycetes isolated from soil and their antagonistic effect against F. solani f.sp. pisi were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. More than 100 Actinomycetes isolates were screened for their antifungal activities against the pathogen. The most active isolates were evaluated in greenhouse for their biocontrol performance. Based on the results of dual cultures in screening evaluations, the size of inhibition zone of fungal growth, and the most effective antagonist isolates (S3, S12 and S40) were selected for further studies. Identity of active isolates was determined, in this regard, 16S rDNA of isolates were amplified using universal bacterial primers FD1 and RP2. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA was then performed using NCBI BLAST method. Comparison of the near full length 16S rRNA sequence of isolates to GenBank sequences demonstrated that isolates S3 and S12 were most similar to Streptomyces antibioticus, while isolate S40 was most similar to Streptomyces peruviensis. Biocontrol studies of these isolates in control of the disease in greenhouse significantly decreased the disease severity. Actinomycetes isolate S12 demonstrated the greatest effect in reducing disease than the other two. Results of this research are at preliminary stage for developing biocontrol agents. These data can be utilized as a platform for future studies with the aim of commercializing these biocontrol products and hoping to step towards sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to simulate the dynamics of the interaction Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood -Trichoderma asperellum Samuels, Lieckfeldt & Nirenberg (strain Ta-90) to demonstrate the effect of the fungus as a biological control of the nematode in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The interaction was simulated by a deterministic model proposed by Anderson and May. For the calculation of the biological parameters involved in the model, two treatments were included under semi-controlled conditions, treatment 1: control chickpea plants with 0.9 nematode infective juveniles (J2) per soil gram, treatment 2: chickpea plants with nematodes + 50 ml of T. asperellum (107 UFC.ml-1). Five plants per treatment were used in a randomized experimental design. After 35 days, the number of eggs per female, number of J2, CFU, colonization of ootecas, and the parasitic activity of the fungus were evaluated. It was shown that the nematode population tended to decrease by the action of T. asperellum and reached values below the level inoculated after 73 days. Besides, it was inferred that the population decreased in a 35% from a generation to the next one, and this population decline was achieved when the level of of T. asperellum presence was higher than 104 CFU.ml-1. A second model including the crop growth dynamics was proposed to be validated in future works to demonstrate the action of the fungus at each biological stage of the nematode life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty four advance lines of chickpea were evaluated against Fusarium wilt by sowing them in sick plot in research area of Plant Pathology Research Institute Faisalabad following augmented design to find out the resistance source. Three susceptible varieties CM-44, CM 72 and CM 2006 were used as check. Out of these 64 advance lines,7 lines TGxKo1, TGx1110, TGx1219, TG1307, TGx1232, TGx1218 and TGx1113 were found highly resistant ranging 0-10% plant mortality, 11 advance lines were resistant showing 11-20% plants mortality and 10 moderately resistant ranging 21- 30% plant mortality. Remaining advance lines showed in susceptible and highly susceptible range showing 31-50% and more than 50% plant mortality, respectively. Highly resistant and resistant genotypes may be exploited for the development of resistant cultivars against wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Padwick) is a devastating disease. The best way to control chickpea wilt disease is to find resistant varieties/lines among available germplasm. Accordingly, three hundred and eighteen diverse chickpea genotypes were evaluated within sick plot conditions for disease severity against natural inoculum. The experiment was planted in an augmented design during two year investigating seasons. Disease severity was scored with a disease rating scale and area under disease progressive curve was recorded. A total of just three lines/varieties 5006, k021-10 and k035-10 were possessing high resistance in both investigation seasons. Among six biological control agents evaluated against pathogen in vitro by dual culture test showed that Pseudomonas fluorescens had more mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen (Foc) i.e., 70.94% over control. Trichoderma harzianum was proved to be second best followed by Rhizobia spp. and Bacillus subtilis with 63.95%, 60.79% and 57.68% growth reduction, respectively. In glass house assay, P. fluorescens was proved to be most effective, showed high disease reduction percentage with mean 76.78 over inoculated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta blight is a devastating disease of chickpea caused by Ascochyta rabiei. In this article, we described a real-time PCR assay for the determination and quantification of A. rabiei infection in chickpea tissues and accurate monitoring of disease progression in plant materials inoculated with different inoculation methods. The primer pairs HEF1/HEF2 were designed to anneal to conserved regions of translation elongation factor 1 alpha (EF) gene for specific amplification of 82-bp fragment of A. rabiei based on SYBR Green I technology. The detection limit of assay was determined as 0.1 pg DNA. PCR specificity was confirmed by testing against uninfected chickpea tissues and another fungal species associated with chickpea. The chickpea plants were inoculated by the methods of whole-plant and detached leaflet inoculation. Disease progression in resistant and susceptible cultivars was evaluated at certain time intervals after pathogen inoculation by real-time PCR. The results revealed a good correlation between visual assessments of disease reaction and pathogen quantification in infected chickpea tissues. The target DNA sequence was also amplified from the samples of DNA extracts from artificially infested seed. This technique could provide a useful approach for efficient selection of resistant breeding material in an early stage of infection as an alternative to the visual disease assessment and will be also used for the determination and quantification of A. rabiei infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (Foc) is a constant threat to chickpea productivity in several parts of the world. Understanding the molecular basis of chickpea-Foc interaction is necessary to improve chickpea resistance to Foc and thereby the productivity of chickpea. We transformed Foc race 2 using green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and used it to characterize pathogen progression and colonization in wilt-susceptible (JG62) and wilt-resistant (Digvijay) chickpea cultivars using confocal microscopy. We also employed quantitative PCR (qPCR) to estimate the pathogen load and progression across various tissues of both the chickpea cultivars during the course of the disease. Additionally, the expression of several candidate pathogen virulence genes was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), which showed their characteristic expression in wilt-susceptible and resistant chickpea cultivars. Our results suggest that the pathogen colonizes the susceptible cultivar defeating its defense; however, albeit its entry in the resistant plant, further proliferation is severely restricted providing an evidence of efficient defense mechanism in the resistant chickpea cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined the role of exogenously applied calcium (Ca; 50 mM) and potassium (K; 10 mM) (alone and in combination) in alleviating the negative effects of cadmium (Cd; 200 µM) on growth, biochemical attributes, secondary metabolites and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Cd stress significantly decreased the length and weight (fresh and dry) of shoot and root and yield attributes in terms of number of pods and seed yield (vs. control). Exhibition of decreases in chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and total Chl was also observed with Cd-exposure when compared to control. However, Cd-exposure led to an increase in the content of carotenoids. In contrast, the exogenous application of Ca and K individually as well as in combination minimized the extent of Cd-impact on previous traits. C. arietinum seedlings subjected to Cd treatment exhibited increased contents of organic solute (proline, Pro) and total protein; whereas, Ca and K-supplementation further enhanced the Pro and total protein content. Additionally, compared to control, Cd-exposure also caused elevation in the contents of oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxidase, H2O2; malondialdehyde, MDA) and in the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; glutathione reductase, GR). Ca, K, and Ca + K supplementation caused further enhancements in the activity of these enzymes but significantly decreased contents of H2O2 and MDA, also that of Cd accumulation in shoot and root. The contents of total phenol, flavonoid and mineral elements (S, Mn, Mg, Ca and K) that were also suppressed in Cd stressed plants in both shoot and root were restored to appreciable levels with Ca- and K-supplementation. However, the combination of Ca + K supplementation was more effective in bringing the positive response as compared to individual effect of Ca and K on Cd-exposed C. arietinum. Overall, this investigation suggests that application of Ca and/or K can efficiently minimize Cd-toxicity and eventually improve health and yield in C. arietinum by the cumulative outcome of the enhanced contents of organic solute, secondary metabolites, mineral elements, and activity of antioxidant defense enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta blight is the major disease attacking chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) around the world. Since its first time report of isolation in Argentina in 2012, the pathogen has caused severe economic losses and has acquired a great importance. We report here the isolation of Ascochyta rabiei from infected chickpea beans cultivated in Santa Fe, Argentina; its identification by morphological analysis and molecular biology techniques based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence alignment, its biochemical characterization regarding the capacity to produce proteinase and phospholipase enzymes, and its antifungal susceptibility to common used antifungal agents. In order to detect new inhibitors for A. rabiei from natural sources, a bioautographic method was developed. From the screening method developed, we found that extracts from cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus are active against A. rabiei . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris ( Foc) is the most important soilborne disease of chickpea in the Sudan and many other countries. A total of 76 Foc isolates from six different chickpea-growing states in the Sudan have been collected in this study to investigate the genetic diversity of Sudanese Foc isolates. Additional 14 Foc isolates from Syria and Lebanon were included in this study. All isolates were characterized using four random amplified polymorphic DNA ( RAPD), three simple sequence repeats ( SSR), five sequence-characterized amplified region ( SCAR) primers and three specific Foc genome primers. Based on the similarity coefficient, the results indicated two major clusters included seven subclusters. The isolates from the Sudan were grouped as identified as races 0, 2 and unknown races. The isolates from Syria and Lebanon were grouped together as they identified as races 1B/C and 6, respectively. This study identified a new race Foc (race 0) in the Sudan. The results of this study will be useful for breeders to design effective resistance breeding program in chickpea in the Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the biological potential of Trichoderma harzianum as seed bio-priming against dry root rot of chickpea focusing on impacts of root rot disease on chickpea seeds and germination, isolation of Macrophomina phaseolina, and significance of biological control of soil and seed borne pathogen. Topics include dry matter production, emergence of seedlings, and increase in seed germination.

A field experiment was carried out at KVK farm in Gariyaband District of Chhattisgarh State during the rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 to study the efficacy of microbial inoculation with Rhizobium and Trichoderma on plant growth parameters, yield and disease resistance of 6 varieties of chickpea. Soil application with Trichoderma enriched farmyard manure in different plots was done one week before sowing and seed dressing with Rhizobium was done individually at the time of sowing. Among the chickpea varieties, JG 74 performed better in respect of nodule number., yield attributes and yield. Among the inoculants, dual application of Rhizobium + Trichoderma was found most effective in terms of improving germination, shoot length, nodule number. and also showed its positive effect in enhancement of all the yield attributing parameters (number.of pods,100 - seed weight) and yield. Study showed that inoculation with Rhizobium and soil application of Trichoderma enriched FYM gave an additive effect to seed dressing in reducing disease resistance thus enhancing crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquisition of Pea enation mosaic virus ( PEMV) by chickpea ( Cicer arietinum) when fed on by viruliferous pea aphid ( Acyrthosiphon pisum) was tested for combinations of two chickpea varieties ('Bronic', a kabuli type and 'Sierra', a desi type) and three plant ages (14, 28 and 42 days after germination). It was determined whether inoculation with PEMV influenced plant growth and yield components, and the effect of variety × age combinations on the survival and fecundity of aphid vectors was evaluated. Three important findings emerged: (a) Acquisition of PEMV by chickpea depended on plant age. When inoculated at 14 or 28 days, most plants tested positive for PEMV at harvest, while rates of virus acquisition were reduced for 42 day-old plants. (b) Plant age at inoculation affected growth and yield parameters, and this effect differed between chickpea varieties. For both varieties, PEMV infection reduced plant height and biomass at harvest when plants were inoculated at 14 days. Only 'Sierra' exhibited significant reductions in plant height and biomass when inoculated at 28 days. Seed set was severely diminished for both varieties when plants were inoculated at 14 and 28 days after germination, but mature plants were not damaged in terms of growth or seed set. (c) The performance of pea aphid was influenced by both chickpea age and variety, with higher fecundities and longer lifespan when colonising 42 day-old plants as compared with younger plants, and better performance overall on 'Sierra'. This study reveals that chickpea can acquire PEMV at all ages tested, but the most damaging effects for growth and yield parameters occur when plants are inoculated at early phenological stages. Chickpea is a poor host for A. pisum in general, but plants can support vector populations long enough for PEMV transmission and subsequent yield reduction to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of Ascochyta blight in pea, lentil, and chickpea relies on repeated fungicide applications, which has led to development of fungicide resistance and disease control failures in some systems. In vitro assays were conducted to determine baseline fungicide sensitivity in Mycosphaerella pinodes (Ascochyta pinodes), A. lends, and A. rabiei populations to the demethylation-inhibiting fungicide prothioconazole and the succinate dehydrogenase-inhibiting fungicides boscalid and fluxapyroxad by determining the effective concentration at which 50% of germination or fungal growth was inhibited (EC50). Mean boscalid EC50 values from conidial germination assays were 0.669, 0.639, and 0.171 μg/ml and from mycelial growth assays were 0.258, 0.791, and 0.443 μ,g/ml for M. pinodes, A. lends, and A. rabiei, respectively. Mean fluxapyroxad EC50 values were 0.050, 0.763, and 0.057 50g/ml for M. pinodes, A. lends, and A. rabiei, respectively. Mean baseline EC50 values for prothioconazole with mycelial growth were 0.541, 0.604, and 0.283 p-μg/ml for M. pinodes, A. lends, and A. rabiei, respectively. A single discriminatory fungicide concentration of 1 μg/ml was selected for all species. Established sensitivity profiles and discriminatory concentrations will be used to monitor sensitivity shifts in populations of Ascochyta spp. and to make effective disease management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry root rot caused byRhizoctonia bataticola(Macrophomina phaseolina) of chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.) is gaining importance in the changed scenario of climate when growing crop is predisposed to high temperature and moisture stress. Being mainly a soil-inhabiting pathogen, many environmental and soil factors are responsible for the development of disease. No systematic research related to the biology, ecology and epidemiology of dry root rot in chickpea has been conducted so far. Research is needed to improve the identification and characterisation of variability within its epidemiological and pathological niches. Limited literature available on host plant resistance for dry root rot indicated lack of resistant sources for this disease. The present article discusses current status of the disease in the context of climate change and possible management options to alleviate the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]