Mamta Beniwal, N.L. Meena, Pokhar Rawal, R.N. Bunkar, Devendra Jain Ram Hari, Amit Dadheech, Smriti Akodiya, Kiran Kumawat and Shaik Mnnysha
Abstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital leguminous and self-pollinating crop cultivated globally ranking third among the most important leguminous crops. Fusarium wilt caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a significant stressor among various biotic and abiotic challenges. A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 under artificial inoculation conditions at the RCA research farm in Udaipur screening ten chickpea varieties. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications for each test line. Results indicated that varietal resistance in field plots is the most economical and environmentally friendly method for controlling the severity of Fusarium wilt. Based on the results GNG-2562 variety demonstrated a resistant reaction with a disease incidence of 0-10% for Fusarium. Meanwhile, three varieties GNG-2207, GNG-2144, and GNG-1958 exhibited a moderately resistant reaction with an 11-20 % disease incidence under field conditions. The remaining tested varieties ranged from tolerant to highly susceptible, showing a disease incidence of 21-50%. This screening of varieties will be beneficial for future crop improvement programs.