Isolation of Ascochyta lentis fungus, responsible for blight disease in lentil crop and screening of suitable fungicides for management

Abstract

Lentil is an important legume crop that is a safe source of high-quality dietary protein. Mostly fungal diseases are considered an important constraint of Lentil. Blight disease caused by Ascochyta lentis is an important disease caused by Aschochyta lentis. Samples from diseased plants were collected, and the pathogen was isolated on artificial media. After purification, the pathogen was indentured based on the growth pattern, colony shape, and spore structure. There is very fewer germplasm of Lentil available in the country. The current study shows 12 lentil genotypes (11504,12512,12514, M-09501, Pb-m-2009, M- 93,12505,12503,11507,11509,10503, M-85) were screened against Ascochyta lentis by following RCBD under natural and artificial disease conditions. Agronomic, morphological and physiological data were recorded from field trials. Fungicides were diluted into different concentrations and were used to inhibit the growth of A. lentis under in-vitro conditions. Similarly, BCAs were also screened against A lentis on artificial media plates and were utilized in field conditions to manage the disease. Keywords: Ascochyta lentis, Biocontrol agents, Disease resistance, and Lentil blight.