Epidemiology and pathogenicity of vascular wilt of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, and the host defense responses

Abstract

• Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is an ascomycete fungal pathogen that significantly limits chickpea productivity. • Foc take up substantial amounts of water, minerals, and photosynthetic products directly from the host plant. • Cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and toxins are mechanisms of the pathogen pathogenicity. • The host, chickpea defend against Foc infections using morphological and chemical approaches. • Effective quarantine and certified pathogen-free seed is essential to improve chickpea productivity and management of Foc. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is an ascomycete fungal pathogen that significantly limits chickpea productivity; causing annual yield losses of a 10 to 15%, and escalates to 100% when temperature and humidity are favourable. This review aims to assess the global scientific evidence on the distribution and pathogenicity, host responses, and management options of Foc using international databases and search engines. Globally, eight physiological races of the pathogen (0, 1A, 1B/ C, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) are reported. According to molecular evidences, high levels of DNA polymorphisms in Foc have been observed in the areas where the pathogen exists. After infection by Foc, gene encoding cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and toxins are detected in various susceptible chickpea genotypes. The chickpea plant, in turn, activates a variety of defense signaling and responses, among which papilla formations, suberization, reaction oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POXs), phenolics, β-,3 glucanase activity, chitinase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase defensive enzymes have been detected. This review also assesses the management options for controlling this wilt disease. In this regard, it has been established that utilizing predominantly resistant cultivars in combination with an integrated management approach is more recommended. These approaches involve solarisation (2 weeks) of farmlands, organic manure application, burning or igniting host material, and adjustment of sowing dates have been found critical in limiting and lowering pathogen progression. In conclusion, identification and use of effective quarantine and certified pathogen-free seeds are essential for the management of Fusarium wilt and improving the productivity of chickpea.