Pathogenic Characterization of Sclerotium rolfsii Isolates Causing Collar Rot of Chickpea in Telangana, India

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital legume crop widely cultivated for its high nutritional value, particularly as a rich source of plant-based protein. However, its productivity is significantly affected by various soil-borne pathogens, among which Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is one of the most destructive pathogens causing collar rot disease. Pathogenicity test with six isolates was carried out on five cultivars of chickpea. The results of Pathogenicity testing of six isolates on the susceptible chickpea cultivar JG 11 revealed significant differences in disease severity. ANOVA showed highly significant effects (p < 0.05) of isolate, host genotype and their interaction on collar rot incidence. Among the isolates CSR 9 caused the highest mean disease severity (88.31%), followed by CSR 11 (83.74%), while the lowest was recorded for CSR 3 (79.65%). Among chickpea cultivars, JG 11 was the most susceptible (90.96% disease index) and RGV 204 the least (61.08%). CSR 9 isolated from Neredigonda village of Adilabad district was the most virulent on JG 11. The results indicate low vegetative diversity but significant pathogenic variability among S. rolfsii isolates infecting chickpea.