Gray Mold Botrytis Research Articles

Introduction pages, Notulae Scientia Biologicae 16(3), 2024

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 3, Volume 16, 2024: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting research or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Exogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide as biotechnological tools for enhancing plant adaptation to cold; Optimization of the production of a new milk clotting enzyme by Aspergillus flavus thermophile on agro-industrial residues medium and characterization of the enzyme; Chemical composition and potential pharmacological applications of Centaurea acaulis L.; Evaluation of antimalarial compounds in Prosopis africana stem bark fractions against Plasmodium berghei; Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; Analysis of chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities of pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf extracts; In silico analysis of Cucumis pubescens Willd. fruit extract phytocompounds and its activity against anti-diabetic targets; In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of different bacterial isolates against Botrytis gray mold of tomato; Integrated characterization and in vitro biocontrol of Fusarium sp. using Trichoderma asperellum; Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under cadmium stress; Delineating drought-induced antioxidative traits as potential mechanisms for climate resilience in Argania spinosa.

In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of different bacterial isolates against Botrytis gray mold of tomato

Gray mold rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is considered as one of the most harmful fungal diseases affecting postharvest tomato fruits. In the current work, we explore the biocontrol potential of 174 bacterial strains isolated from tomato rhizosphere, argan rhizosphere and a vermicompost to control this fungal pathogen. The in vitro dual culture study of isolated bacterial strains and the fungus-causing pathogen revealed that 31 isolates exhibited a substantial antifungal activity against B. cinerea mycelial growth. The inhibition rates ranged from 55.36 to 85.07%. Twelve bacterial strains which showed the highest antifungal properties (more than 79.6%) were subsequently investigated for their ability to produce compounds with antifungal activity, including diffusible substances, volatile compounds and hydrocyanic acid. These strains were then evaluated in vivo for their ability to reduce fruit decay caused by the fungus. Indeed, isolates VC-B1 (from vermicompost), RS-TB3, and RS-T6 (from the rhizosphere of tomato root), and RH-TB11 (from the tomato rhizoplane) released the most active diffusible substances, which totally inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. In addition, bacterial strains RS-TB1 and RS-T6 isolated both from the tomato rhizospheric soil were among the isolates that produced the most effective volatile compounds. They reduced the mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen by 75.36% ± 7.24% and 72.94 ± 4.129% respectively. Moreover, RS-TB3, RS-TB4, RH-TB1, and VC-B1 exhibited the highest production of hydrocyanic acid, followed by RS-TB1, VC-3, and VC-13. In vivo bioassays showed disease reduction ranging from 37.92% to 93.14%, with VC-1, VC-5, and RS-T4 showing the highest efficacy. This study identifies several bacterial strains with high potential for biocontrol of B. cinerea in postharvest tomatoes, presenting a promising alternative to chemical fungicides for managing gray mold rot.

Biocontrol of strawberry Botrytis gray mold and prolong the fruit shelf-life by fumigant Trichoderma spp.

Objectives To screen high active volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-producing Trichoderma isolates against strawberry gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, and to explore their antagonistic mode of action against the pathogen. VOCs produced by nine Trichoderma isolates (Trichoderma atroviride T1 and T3; Trichoderma harzianum T2, T4 and T5; T6, T7, T8 and T9 identified as Trichoderma asperellum in this work) significantly inhibited the mycelial growth (13.9-63.0% reduction) and conidial germination (17.6-96.3% reduction) of B. cinerea, the highest inhibition percentage belonged to VOCs of T7; in a closed space, VOCs of T7 shared 76.9% and 100% biocontrol efficacy against gray mold on strawberry fruits and detached leaves, respectively, prolonged the fruit shelf-life by 3 days in presence of B. cinerea, completely protected the leaves from B. cinerea infecting; volatile metabolites of T7 damaged the cell membrane permeability and integrity of B. cinerea, thereby inhibiting the mycelial growth and conidial germination. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the VOCs contain 23 potential compounds, and the majority of these compounds were categorised as alkenes, alcohols, and esters, including PEA and 6PP, which have been reported as substances produced by Trichoderma spp. T. asperellum T7 showed high biofumigant activity against mycelial growth especially conidial germination of B. cinerea and thus protected strawberry fruits and leaves from gray mold, which acted by damaging the pathogen's plasma membrane and resulting in cytoplasm leakage, was a potential biofumigant for controlling pre- and post-harvest strawberry gray mold.

Controlling Botrytis gray mold in strawberry fruit by bioactive protein isolated from kidney bean

Due to the risks they pose to human and environmental health, there has been a strong push in recent times to reduce the use of chemical fungicides in phytopathogen treatment. In the present study, vicilin was isolated from kidney bean seeds and characterized by SDS-PAGE, zeta potential, and pH solubility curve. The α/ (85 KDa), α (70 KDa), and β (60 KDa) subunits were represented by three distinct protein bands in vicilin. The linear growth of B. cinerea was clearly reduced by 12.96%, 14.81%, 25.92%, 35.18%, and 40.73% in response to vicilin application at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 µg/ml, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vicilin-exposed B. cinerea revealed hyphae enlargement and conidia distortion. Addition of vicilin from kidney bean seeds clearly reduced the disease incidence in a concentration-dependent manner (100, 200, and 400 µg/mL). The higher doses (400 µg/mL) of vicilin provided higher activity in decreasing the disease severity of the strawberry fruits. As a sustainable glycoprotein, vicilin, found in kidney bean seeds, can be used to combat postharvest fungal infections.

EVALUATION OF FLAXSEED OIL AND TRICHODERMA SPECIES AGAINST GREY MOLD DISEASE OF GRAPES

Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are included in vital crops in the world with respect to its nutritious and economic value. Botrytis grey mold, also called noble rot, harms grapes and wine quality caused by Botrytis cinerea. Other than chemicals Trichoderma species considered as important bio control agents for management of post-harvest diseases. The current study was designed to evaluate Trichoderma species for their Micoparasitic ability using a modification of a pre-colonized plate method. In-vitro efficacy of flaxseed oil against the Botrytis cinerea of grapes were determined using disc diffusion technique with different oil concentrations 0.2%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. In-vivo efficacy of most effective formulated and non-formulated Trichoderma concentrations was determined by applying on grape bunches against Botrytis cinerea. Trichoderma Harzianum is more effective and showed 67.5% growth inhibition than Trichoderma Viridae having 64% growth inhibition while flaxseed oil with 0.2%, o.6% and 0.8% concentrations showed 30.19%, 33.32% and 34.89% growth inhibition against botrytis cinerea respectively. In water-based Trichoderma concentrations (1×10⁸) showed maximum growth inhibition after 6 days that was 76.46%. However, it was observed that the percent disease severity index of the grape fruits in oil-based formulation showed 16 %, 20 %, and 18% after the 9 days of incubation whereas the water-based Trichoderma formulations showed 20%, 22%, 24% respectively as compared with control. Trichoderma species can be considered as bio-control agent while emulsion oil can be used for better shelf life.

Evaluation of biocontrol efficacy of rhizosphere dwelling bacteria for management of Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold of chickpea

BackgroundChickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production is affected by many biotic factors, among them Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Botrytis gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea led to severe losses. As fungicide application is not advisable, biological management is the best alternative for plant protection. The rhizosphere-dwelling antagonistic bacteria are one of the important successful alternative strategy to manage these diseases of chickpea. Rhizosphere dwelling bacteria serve as biocontrol agents by different mechanisms like producing antibiotics, different enzymes, siderophores against pathogens and thereby reducing the growth of pathogens.ResultsThe present study aimed to isolate rhizospheric bacteria from the soils of different chickpea fields to evaluate biocontrol efficacy of the isolated bacteria to manage Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold in chickpea. A total of 67 bacteria were isolated from chickpea rhizosphere from Bundelkhand region of India. Study revealed the isolated bacteria could reduce the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and Botrytis cinerea infection in chickpea between 17.29 and 75.29%. After screening of all the bacteria for their biocontrol efficacy, 13 most promising bacterial isolates were considered for further study out of which, three bacterial isolates (15d, 9c and 14a) have shown the maximum in vitro antagonistic effects against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Botrytis cinerea comparable to in vivo effects. However, Isolate (15d) showed highest 87.5% and 82.69% reduction in disease against Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold respectively, under pot condition. Three most potential isolates were characterized at molecular level using 16S rRNA gene and found to be Priestia megaterium (9c and 14a) and Serratia marcescens (15d).ConclusionThis study identified two native biocontrol agents Priestia megaterium and Serratia marcescens from the rhizospheric soils of Bundelkhand region of India for control of Fusarium wilt, Botrytis gray mold. In future, efforts should be made to further validate the biocontrol agents in conjugation with nanomaterials for enhancing the synergistic effects in managing the fungal diseases in chickpea. This study will definitely enhance our understanding of these bioagents, and to increase their performance by developing effective formulations, application methods, and integrated strategies.

Genomic selection for target traits in the Australian lentil breeding program.

Genomic selection (GS) uses associations between markers and phenotypes to predict the breeding values of individuals. It can be applied early in the breeding cycle to reduce the cross-to-cross generation interval and thereby increase genetic gain per unit of time. The development of cost-effective, high-throughput genotyping platforms has revolutionized plant breeding programs by enabling the implementation of GS at the scale required to achieve impact. As a result, GS is becoming routine in plant breeding, even in minor crops such as pulses. Here we examined 2,081 breeding lines from Agriculture Victoria's national lentil breeding program for a range of target traits including grain yield, ascochyta blight resistance, botrytis grey mould resistance, salinity and boron stress tolerance, 100-grain weight, seed size index and protein content. A broad range of narrow-sense heritabilities was observed across these traits (0.24-0.66). Genomic prediction models were developed based on 64,781 genome-wide SNPs using Bayesian methodology and genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) were calculated. Forward cross-validation was applied to examine the prediction accuracy of GS for these targeted traits. The accuracy of GEBVs was consistently higher (0.34-0.83) than BLUP estimated breeding values (EBVs) (0.22-0.54), indicating a higher expected rate of genetic gain with GS. GS-led parental selection using early generation breeding materials also resulted in higher genetic gain compared to BLUP-based selection performed using later generation breeding lines. Our results show that implementing GS in lentil breeding will fast track the development of high-yielding cultivars with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as improved seed quality traits.

Sweet resistance against botrytis grey mould in chickpea

AbstractDespite significant nutritional value and vast expanse under chickpea cultivation, fungi‐borne diseases are the main limiting factors to increasing its yield. Botrytis grey mould (BGM) is a major foliar disease knocking chickpeas sideways. Thus, to compensate for economic yield loss, BGM‐resistant lines must be fished through an effective screening technique. In the present study, carbohydrates, mainly callose, were observed as vital actors in conferring varietal resistance. The study was done on disease reaction of BGM through microscopy for callose quantification in nine varieties and a susceptible check. The detection of noticeable callose deposits induced in leaf samples collected from artificially inoculated BGM sick plots was studied under a fluorescent microscope. Quantification of callose deposition was done using 1–5 rating scale where grades show intensity of callose accumulated. It was first report in chickpea to uncover the presence of callose in cellular regions by observing the blue fluorescence produced by aniline dye. Further characterization revealed varietal differences for callose deposits. Variations in endogenous sugar contents in the leaves during infection revealed the presence of complex dynamics of callose as a function of defence and resistance against infection. Based on this, PG 186, PG 5 and PG 6 showed significant amount of callose against the cell wall while H 208 scored minimum, thus in agreement with the use of this variety as a susceptible check.

Development of trait-specific genetic stocks derived from wild Cicer species as novel sources of resistance to important diseases for chickpea improvement

AbstractLow level of resistance to major diseases such as ascochyta blight (AB), botrytis grey mould (BGM) and dry root rot (DRR) in the cultivated chickpea genepool necessitates harnessing wild Cicer species. Sixty-eight accessions belonging to eight annual wild Cicer species and seven chickpea cultivars were screened for AB, BGM and DRR under controlled environmental conditions over the years. Intra-accession variability was observed among wild Cicer accessions for each disease. Hence, progenies of single resistant plants were selected for further evaluations and the trait-specific genetic stocks (TGS) were developed for each disease after re-screening following the single seed descent method. For AB, a high level of resistance was identified in four accessions belonging to tertiary genepool species, ICC 17334 (Cicer judaicum), ICC 17302, ICC 17308 and ICC 20177 (C. bijugum). Nine accessions, ICC 17160, ICC 17264, ICC 17270, ICC 20170, ICC 20186, ICC 20225, ICC 20247, ICC 20251 and IG 72941 of primary (C. reticulatum) and one accession, ICC 20190 of secondary (C. echinospermum) genepool species were resistant to BGM whereas, four accessions, ICC 20187 (C. reticulatum) and ICC 20218, ICC 20244 and ICC 20257 (C. echinospermum) were resistant to DRR. Development and utilization of these TGS in chickpea pre-breeding will assist in developing disease-resistant chickpea cultivars with broad genetic base.

Biotic stress alleviating strategies in chickpea

The third-most important food legume in terms of economic importance worldwide is the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Its potential production is frequently constrained by numerous biotic stressors, such as the nematodes, insects Ascochyta blight, fusarsium wilt, and botrytis grey mould are the three major fungal diseases that cause significant economic losses, while Helicoverpa armigera, Aphis craccivora, cowpea weevil are the three major pre-harvest pest of chickpea. Several biological, chemical, cultural and, agronomical practices are used to control biotic stress, apart from that few modern biotechnological approaches also developed for high yielding and biotic stress resistant varieties. This paper aims to elaborate about different biotic stresses that affect Chickpea plant, their management strategies including traditional chemicals and adaptation of transgenic varieties with their limitations and also enlightened newer ray of hope i.e., plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that holds the ability to combat against biotic stress by mitigating stress ethylene level.

Optimal Spacing of Grafted ‘Primo Red’ High Tunnel Tomato

Grafted and ungrafted ‘Primo Red’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) transplants were planted at 16-, 20-, and 24-inch spacing in a commercial high tunnel in central New York, USA, to compare yields. ‘Primo Red’ scions were grafted onto ‘Maxifort’ rootstocks and left to heal in a commercial greenhouse facility. Tomatoes were harvested as they ripened, and the weight and number of fruit per plot was recorded and then calculated out to a per-plant basis. Wider plant spacings resulted in higher yields for both grafted and ungrafted plants. However, economic returns remained highest in the highest density (16 inches in-row) spacing with grafted plants. This indicates that growers may not need to adjust density despite additional foliage from grafted plants. Foliar incidence of Botrytis gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) was not significantly different under spacing or grafting treatments. Grafting resulted in higher yields across all plant spacings compared with ungrafted plants. Commercial growers can use this information to make choices on grafting and spacing in high tunnel tomato.

Exploring the molecular basis of resistance to Botrytis cinerea in chickpea genotypes through biochemical and morphological markers.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop around the globe and a valuable source of protein in the human diet. However, it is highly susceptible to various plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can cause significant damage from the seedling phase until harvest, leading to reduced yields and affecting its production. Botrytis cinerea can cause significant damage to chickpea crops, especially under high humidity and moisture conditions. This fungus can cause grey mould disease, which can lead to wilting, stem and pod rot, and reduced yields. Chickpea plants have developed specific barriers to counteract the harmful effects of this fungus. These barriers include biochemical and structural defences. In this study, the defence responses against B. cinerea were measured by the quantification of biochemical metabolites such as antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, glutathione (GSH), H2O2, ascorbic acid (AA) and total phenol in the leaf samples of chickpea genotypes (one accession of wild Cicer species, viz. Cicer pinnatifidum188 identified with high level of resistance to Botrytis grey mould (BGM) and a cultivar, Cicer arietinumPBG5 susceptible to BGM grown in the greenhouse). Seedlings of both the genotypes were inoculated with (1 × 104 spore mL-1) inoculum of isolate 24, race 510 of B. cinerea and samples were collected after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). The enhanced enzymatic activity was observed in the pathogen-inoculated leaf samples as compared to uninoculated (healthy control). Among inoculated genotypes, the resistant one exhibited a significant change in enzymatic activity, total phenolic content, MDA, proline, GSH, H2O2, and AA, compared to the susceptible genotype. The study also examined the isozyme pattern of antioxidant enzymes at various stages of B. cinerea inoculation. Results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that BGM had a more significant impact on susceptible genotypes compared to resistant ones when compared to the control (un-inoculated). In addition, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy analyses confirmed the greater severity of BGM on susceptible genotypes compared to their resistant counterparts. Our results suggest the role of antioxidant enzymes and other metabolites as defence tools and biochemical markers to understand compatible and non-compatible plant-pathogen interactions better. The present investigation will assist future plant breeding programs aimed at developing resistant varieties.

Morphological, ultrastructural and molecular variations in susceptible and resistant genotypes of chickpea infected with Botrytis grey mould.

Biotic stress due to fungal infection is detrimental to the growth and development of chickpea. In our study, two chickpea genotypes viz Cicer pinnatifidum (resistant) and PBG5 (susceptible) were inoculated with (1 × 104 spore mL-1) of nectrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea at seedling stage. These seedlings were evaluated for morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular differences after 3, 5 and 7 days post inoculation (dpi). Visual symptoms were recorded in terms of water-soaked lesions, rotten pods and twigs with fungal colonies. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the differences in number of stomata, hyphal network and extent of topographical damage in resistant (C. pinnatifidum) and susceptible (PBG5) genotypes, which were validated by stomatal index studies done by using fluorescence microscopy in the infection process of B. cinerea in leaves of both chickpea genotypes. In case of control (water inoculated) samples, there were differences in PCR analysis done using five primers for screening the genetic variations between two genotypes. The presence of a Botrytis responsive gene (LrWRKY) of size ~300 bp was observed in uninoculated resistant genotype which might have a role in resistance against Botrytis grey mould. The present investigation provides information about the variation in the infection process of B. cinerea in two genotypes which can be further exploited to develop robust and effective strategies to manage grey mould disease.

The Cultural and Morphological Variability of Botrytis sp. isolates Causing Grey Mould of Gladiolus in India

The gladiolus is one of the important cut flower with the utmost commercial value in India. Gladiolus has about 180 species and over 30,000 cultivars, of which over 20 are produced in India for production of flowers commercially. Botrytis grey mould (BGM) caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive disease of the gladiolus. In a present study, a total 35 isolates of Botrytis were obtained from the gladiolus surveyed area. Colony morphological studies (texture, form, color, production and degree of sporulation) has been conducted using three types of solid media i.e. PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar), Czapeck’sDox Agar, Kritzmen and Netzer Agar medium. All B. cinerea strains gave maximum fungal mycelium growth on PDA (90.0 mm to 87.5mm) and CDA than K and N medium. Spores of Botrytis cinerea was also observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Phase Contrast Microscope (PCM) for conidial size and number of conidia. Maximum conidial size was recorded on PDA in comparison to CDA and KN media.

An Extensive Review of Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa) Diseases and Integrated Management Approaches: Current Understanding and Future Directions

Strawberry production has increased by more than double in the past two decades. Meanwhile, it is also susceptible to various diseases which have become a limiting factor in its yield increment. Indiscriminate use of chemicals in the management of diseases has brought several adverse effects to the environment and human health. Thus, this review aims to present the different diseases of strawberries including their epidemiology, disease cycle, and symptoms. Moreover, the focus has been given to Integrated Management. More than ten dozen of literature including journal articles, books, websites, and organizational reports were thoroughly reviewed to get the related information. Botrytis grey mold rot, anthracnose, strawberry leaf spot, powdery mildew, and red stele are the major fungal diseases whereas angular leaf spot is the serious bacterial disease of strawberries. It is severely infected by viruses such as strawberry mottle virus and crinkling and vein banding virus. In addition to this nematode causes ring spots, root-knot, and root lesions on strawberries. Integrated disease management approaches should be adopted for effective and sustainable management. It may include cultural methods, physical methods, use of bio-control agents, botanical fungicides, and at last chemicals if the disease is severe.

BIOCONTROL BACTERIA AGAINST BOTRYTIS GRAY MOLD AND OTHER STRAWBERRY FUNGAL PATHOGENS

Strawberries are listed among the functional foods. Beside their appreciated taste, they are rich in antioxidant compounds. Due to their sugars, fleshy pulp and thin skin, as well as dwarf habitus, they are exposed to various plant diseases, especially fungi. Botrytis gray mold is the most destroying pathogen, but there are other fungi that can cause losses in the field or after harvest. The aim of this study is to select some bacterial strains that could be easily formulated as biocontrol agents against various molds. These bacteria were isolated from winery semi-composted marc and analyzed through specific microbiologic methods. Based on their in vitro antagonistic activity, two bacterial isolates were selected. These strains revealed up to 84.2% inhibition of Botrytis cinerea growth, and high antifungal activity against various other fungi, such as Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Qualitative enzymatic tests, as well as microscopic analysis of the microbial interactions revealed fungal degradative enzymes produced by the bacterial strains. As the selected strains were determined to be spore producing bacteria, long term preservation is an advantage for their formulation as plant protection inoculants. Moreover, these bacteria revealed no phytotoxic activity against test plants.

Studies on Inheritance of Botrytis Grey Mould Resistance in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Botrytis grey mould (BGM) is a fungal disease of chickpea and can infect plants at any stage of development. In order to develop the resistant varieties, it is a necessary to understand the pattern of inheritance of its resistance and hence experiments were conducted during rabi 2014-17 at field area of GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Methods: The six different generations of three crosses i.e., DKG 876 x GNG1581, DKG 876 x H 208 and DKG 876 x DCP 92-3 were used as experimental material. All six generations were sown in compact family block design and data obtained from field disease screening were subjected to chi-square analysis. Result: The results revealed that resistance to BGM was dominant over susceptibility. The inheritance of resistance against BGM showed monogenic dominant resistance in ratio of 3 (resistant):1 (susceptible). The results of present study showed the presence of a major gene in governing resistance to BGM in chickpea.

Identification of promising chickpea interspecific derivatives for agro-morphological and major biotic traits

The wild Cicer species is well-known for having climate-resilient and productivity-enhancing traits of interest. Therefore, wide hybridization could be used as a realistic strategy for introgressing prospective traits from wild species into the cultivated gene pool. The present study was, thus, undertaken to evaluate F7 chickpea interspecific derivatives derived from Cicer reticulatum Ladiz. and C. echinospermum P. H. Davis wild annual Cicer species. As a result, a set of six interspecific crosses were advanced using the single seed descent (SSD) method of breeding. The F7 generation of these crosses was assessed in two diverse agro-ecological regions of India. The data revealed a wide range of variation with respect to seed yield and its important component traits, which resulted in the identification of the most promising derivatives carrying desirable characters as indicated by range, mean, and coefficient of variation. Further, fruitful heterosis was also estimated as promising selection criteria for identifying superior lines for earliness and high seed yield, including resistance against prevailing stresses (ascochyta blight, botrytis gray mold, dry root rot, and fusarium wilt). The superior derivatives carrying putative characters could be recommended for further breeding and selection of genetic materials for developing suitable genotypes.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A Current Review

Chickpeas are a rich source of dietary protein and phenolic bioactives that promote human health, and they are widely used as food and culinary ingredients in current and ethnic cuisines around the world. Due to its natural drought and heat tolerance, chickpea will become increasingly important with climate change. Chickpea is an indeterminate crop flowering over a long period of time, with leaf and branch formation continuing during pod filling. The early stages of plant inflorescence growth are just as important as the later stages of floral development. During those early phases, certain properties, such as inflorescence architecture and flower developmental timings, are defined. A variety of climatic and environmental conditions influence chickpea growth, development, and grain yield. Chickpea production gets hampered by climatic extremes such as unpredictable rainfall, very hot and low temperatures, drought. Environmental factors like as salinity and nutrient deprivation have a significant impact on global chickpea productivity. Every year, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris causes massive yield losses in chickpeas. Other effective biotic stress factors are root diseases (collar rot, and dry root rot), and foliar diseases (Ascochyta blight, Botrytis grey mold). In this review, some valuable information related to chickpea is extracted from international articles published mostly in last year and presented here.

CHRONOLOGICAL LEVELS FOR SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DISEASE RESISTANT, CLIMATE-RESILIENT AND HIGH YIELDING LENTIL CULTIVAR FOR FOOD SECURITY

Lentil used all over the world due to its rich source of dietary proteins. The aim of study was to identify and develop disease resistance, high yielding lentil cultivar with high protein contents. The hybridization of (NARC-02-2 X 01505) followed by pedigree method of selection. The newly developed line 10502 tested in a series of trials on multi locations for disease tolerance and yield comparison. The maximum yield potential of 2529 kg/ha was achieved out yielded check variety Pb.M-2009 and testified as moderately resistant to Lentil Rust and Botrytis Grey Mold disease. In addition to this, found suitable for both irrigated and arid region. The characterization studies revealed that genotype had improved traits with 3seeds/pod and 4- 5pods/node. The quality analysis indicated high protein contents (29.2 %) and cooking quality test on base of physio-chemical traits indicated low cooking time and high values of swelling capacity. The line 10502 approved as new cultivar Punjab Masoor-2019 suitable for all areas of Punjab.