Screening of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes for Dry Root Rot Resistance

Abstract

Dry root rot in chickpea causes up to 100% loss in yield in favourable environmental conditions. Identification of resistant cultivars would be highly economical, eco-friendly and a viable solution for rainfed condition for combating the devastating pathogen. The present study was conducted to evaluate 30 chickpea genotypes for resistance to dry root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina using sick pot technique and roll towel method. The comparative evaluation of chickpea genotypes for dry root rot resistance revealed both consistent and contrasting resistance reactions. Genotypes such as Super Annigeri 1 and COC 24 02 consistently exhibited susceptibility across both methods, validating them as reliable checks. Jaki 9218 was resistant at the seedling stage (roll towel) but highly susceptible in soil (sick pot), indicating stage-specific resistance. In contrast, P2278 and NBeG 857 were susceptible in roll towel but resistant in sick pots, reflecting strong Adult Plant Resistance (APR). COC 24 04 showed variable performance, shifting from seedling tolerance to moderate resistance in soil assays, supporting the polygenic nature of DRR resistance.