Chickpea Wilt Research Articles

Characterization of Trichoderma spp. and their antagonistic activity against soilborne fungi associated with chickpea wilt in Sinaloa, Mexico

Chickpea wilt, caused by a complex of soilborne fungi (Fusarium spp. Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), is the most important disease of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) in Mexico. The aims of this study were to characterize Trichoderma isolates using a combination of phenotypic and molecular approaches and to evaluate their antagonistic activity against soilborne fungi associated with chickpea wilt. A total of 30 Trichoderma isolates were obtained from rhizospheric soil samples collected from chickpea fields in different locations of Sinaloa, Mexico. Dual confrontation assays showed the potential antagonistic effect of Trichoderma isolates against F. languescens, M. phaseolina, R. solani, S. rolfsii, and S. sclerotiorum. Five Trichoderma isolates (FAVF335, FAVF340, FAVF345, FAVF349, and FAVF351) exhibited mycelial growth inhibition of the five pathogens that ranged from 56 to 71%. These isolates were characterized using cultural, morphological, and molecular studies and tested in vivo for their ability to control soilborne pathogens in two chickpea cultivars (Blanco Sinaloa-92 and P2245) under greenhouse conditions. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined ITS, EF-1α, and rpb2 sequence dataset identified T. afroharzianum (FAVF345, FAVF349, and FAVF351) and T. longibrachiatum (FAVF335 and FAVF340). Coating of chickpea seeds with T. longibrachiatum (FAVF335 and FAVF340) significantly reduced the disease severity and improved the plant growth-promoting attributes.

Efficacy of bio-agents and organic amendment against fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri) of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Efficacy of bio-agents and organic amendment against fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri) of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Phylogeny, distribution, and pathogenicity of fusarioid fungi associated with chickpea wilt in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico

Phylogeny, distribution, and pathogenicity of fusarioid fungi associated with chickpea wilt in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico

Screening of the Biocontrol Efficacy of Potent Trichoderma Strains against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri and Scelrotium rolfsii Causing Wilt and Collar Rot in Chickpea.

Chickpeas contribute to half of the pulses produced in India and are an excellent source of protein, fibers, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, the combination of the wilt and root rot diseases drastically lowers its yield. The use of antagonist microbes that restrict the growth of other phytopathogens is an ecofriendly approach to combat the serious threats raised by the plant pathogens. Trichoderma spp. are well known as biocontrol agents, especially against soil- and seed-borne phytopathogens. In this study, 21 Trichoderma isolates that were collected from different rhizospheric soils were evaluated against two notorious soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysproum f.sp. ciceri and Sclerotium rolfsii. The maximum percentage of inhibition against the tested pathogens was observed in Trichoderma isolate PBT13 (72.97%, 61.1%) followed by PBT3 (72.23%, 59.3%). The mycelial extension rate method, dual culture (antagonism), production of cell-wall degrading enzymes (CWDs), and antifungal metabolites (by GC-MS) were used as selection criteria for potent Trichoderma isolates. Among the 21 isolates, PBT3, PBT4, PBT9, and PBT13 exhibited high antagonistic activity, production of antifungal metabolites, and chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activity. These four species were subjected to molecular characterization using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS 1 and ITS4). The results of molecular characterization identified the four species as T. virnes, T. asperellum, T. lixii, and T. harzianum. Moreover, significant chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities of all Trichoderma isolates were recorded in the growth medium. Trichoderma harzianum (isolate PBT13) was found to exhibit the highest chitinase activity in terms of zone formation (4.40 ± 0.17 cm), whereas Trichoderma virens (isolate PBT3) exhibited the highest β-1,3-glucanase activity1.511 μmole/min. A GC-MS analysis of ethyl extracts from two isolates of Trichoderma (PBT9, PBT13) revealed the presence of 28 VOCs. Overall, this study suggests that these four Trichoderma strains are promising biological control agents (BCAs) and could be developed as bio-pesticides after stringent field trials for the management of soil-borne diseases of chickpeas.

Inheritance of Resistance to Chickpea Fusarium Wilt Disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris Race 2) in a Wide-Cross Cicer arietinum × Cicer reticulatum Mapping Family.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a major food legume providing high quality nutrition, especially in developing regions. Chickpea wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris) causes significant annual losses. Integrated disease management of Fusarium wilt is supported by resistant varieties. Relatively few resistance genes are known so there is value in exploring genetic resources in chickpea wild relatives. This study investigates the inheritance of Fusarium wilt resistance (race 2) in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between a cultivated susceptible chickpea variety (Gokce) and a wild resistant Cicer reticulatum line (Kayat-077). RILs, parents, resistant and susceptible tester lines were twice grown in the greenhouse with inoculation and disease symptoms scored. DNA was extracted from dried leaves and individuals were single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyped. SNPs were placed on the reference chickpea genome and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed. Significant QTL regions were examined using PulseDB to identify candidate genes. The results showed the segregation of Fusarium wilt resistance conforming to a single gene inheritance. One significant QTL was found at the start of chromosome 8, containing 138 genes, three of which were disease-resistance candidates for chickpea breeding.

Expression analysis and characterization of resistance (R) genes in contrasting Fusarium wilt resistant chickpea genotypes

Fusarium wilt is one of the most notorious diseases of crop plants. This disease leads to huge crop losses in chickpea with substantial monetary value worldwide. The objective of the current study was to characterise Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cicris (Foc), the causal agent of chickpea wilt, on morphological basis followed by the assessment of resistance of thirty chickpea germplasm accessions to Foc in a pot experiment. The second objective of this research was to study gene expression and characterisation of specific resistance (R) genes in different Fusarium wilt-resistant chickpea genotypes. The morphological identification and characterization of Foc was done by culturing the fungus potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Fusarium wild resistance was assessed by challenging 30 chickpea genotypes to artificial inoculum of Foc by using a pre-defined disease rating scale. Different resistance levels were showed by different chickpea genotypes ranging from highly resistant to highly susceptible. Two accessions demonstrated resistance, 15 were moderately resistant and the rest of the genotypes were moderately susceptible to susceptible. The in-silico expression analysis of R genes showed that two R genes, LOC101499430 and LOC101499568 were upregulated in chickpea roots, indicating their probable role in Fusarium wilt resistance. The genes were further assessed for their expression in response to Fusarium inoculation in contrasting Fusarium wilt resistant and susceptible chickpea genotypes. The resistant genotypes showed significantly higher expression levels of the selected R genes in comparison with susceptible genotypes. This study provides valuable insights into evaluating chickpea germplasm for Fusarium wilt resistance and identification of candidate resistance genes which could be employed for enhancement of Fusarium wilt resistance in chickpea.

Effect of Bio-Priming with Isolates of Fungal Bio Agents on Morphological Attributes and Growth Parameters of Chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulse crops of India. Chickpea is one of the major and abundant sources of protein among pulses; production of chickpea is very low all over the worldwide due to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Biotic stress diseases are the major problems. Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri has been considered as devastating one to cause up to 10 per cent loss in yield every year. For eco-friendly and sustainable management of the disease, six isolates of two fungal bioagents Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride were evaluated for their antagonistic efficacy on colony growth by dual culture plate method. The results showed that the bio-agents suppressed the colony growth ofpathogen which ranged between 70.80-59.29%. Isolates of T1 [Trichoderma harzianum (KN)] 70.80% was found very effective antagonistic effect compare to all treatments and control followed by T2 [Trichoderma harzianum (VN) which inhibited 68.80%, T3 [Trichoderma harzianum (UNN) 66.45% and T4 [T. viride (FBD)] 63.58% mycelia growth of pathogen and so on. The result of seed treatment in vivo condition showed that T1 found highest germination percent among all the treatments with a value of 85.71%. In all the treatment, substantially boosting the morphology of chickpea against control, the maximum number of branches was recorded in T1, with value of 12 and maximum root length was 13.33 cm with increase 81.85% over the control. In the yield parameter, the highest number of pods was found in T1 with 41 pods, followed by T2 and T3 with 37 and 36 pods, respectively. Result of the study show that bio-agents significantly reduced the wilt incidence, treated plants subsequently significantly increased germination percentage, morphological parameters and yield parameters over the non-treated plants. .

In vitro bioefficacy of fungicides against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) holds significant importance as a pulse crop cultivated throughout India. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, the causal agent of chickpea wilt, stands as a major affliction in northern Karnataka. This disease is transmitted via soil and seeds, with abundant pathogenic presence in the soil coupled with favourable environmental conditions leading to plant fatality and subsequent yield depreciation. An experiment was carried out to identify effective fungicides for managing chickpea wilt. Five combinations of fungicides andfive systemic fungicides were tested against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri under laboratory conditions, employing three concentrations for each. Systemic fungicides, specifically carbendazim 50% WP, displayed significant hindrance of mycelial growth, registering 83.61%. Among the combination fungicides, carbendazim 25% + mancozeb 50% demonstrated remarkable complete inhibition of mycelial growth.

Mechanical Synthesis of Nano Carrier Based Bio-formulation of Trichoderma harzianum and Their Bio-efficacy against Fusarium Wilt of Chick Pea

The terms "nano science" and "nanotechnology" have grown in popularity in comparison to micron-sized particles because they are more durable, efficient and have a high surface-to-volume ratio. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to assess the efficiency of a nano carrier-based formulation of Trichoderma harzianum against the chickpea wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Carrier materials such as talc, lignite and fly ash were reduced to nano size using a high-speed cryo ball mill and particle sizes were determined using a particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. The results revealed all of the concentrations of nano carrier formulated (talc, lignite and fly ash) T. harzianum viz.,100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm concentrations were found to effective in inhibiting the growth of the F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris with 100 per cent mean mycelial inhibition except nano talc formulated Trichoderma which shows mycelial inhibition of 2.56 per cent at 50 ppm concentration.

Screening Chickpea Genotypes against Fusarium Wilt Disease under Greenhouse Conditions

Chickpea wilt, incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, stands as a significant vascular root disease that has economic implications. This disease can result in substantial yield losses, potentially up to 90%, during the various stages of crop growth. The study designed with the objective of screening chickpea genotypes against fusarium wilt. In the present investigation, 25 chickpea genotypes, including two control, WR315 (highly resistant) and JG 62 (highly susceptible), underwent screening. The screening involved artificially inoculating the pathogen responsible for Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Of the genotypes screened, the genotype……(highly resistant), followed by genotype ……..and …………..In contrast the genotype …..most susceptible followed by …..and …… .

Application of green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles for effective mitigation of Fusarium wilt disease in roots of Cicerarietinum

The study investigated the impact of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) on Fusarium wilt in chickpea. CuONPs, synthesized using coffee powder, were subjected to washing and sonication using Milli-Q water as the solvent during the purification process. Subsequently the nanoparticles were characterized through UV–vis spectroscopy, DLS, Zeta Potential and FTIR analysis. The NPs exhibited a size range of 85–100 nm with a zeta potential of −25.3 mV. Seven days old chickpea seedlings treated with different concentrations of CuONP (10, 25, 50 ppm) via root immersion showed a significant reduction in Fusarium infection severity. Treatment with 10 and 25 ppm CuONPs led to a remarkable 74.5% and 50% decrease in wilt incidence, along with increased root and shoot length, protein, tannin, phenolics, and flavonoid content in chickpea seedlings, grown in Fusarium infected soil. Enzyme activity (PAL, PPO, NR) was enhanced, while proline, H2O2, and MDA content decreased in 10 and 25 ppm CuONPs treated seedlings. A reduced activity of APX and SOD was also recorded in 10 and 25 ppm CuONPs treated seedlings. Chlorophyll content increased by 50.08% in 10 ppm treated seedlings but decreased with 25 and 50 ppm. The findings emphasize the protective role of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at a lower concentration of 10 ppm against Fusarium wilt disease. This protective effect is manifested through the reduction of oxidative stress, decreased wilt incidence, and an increased biomass.

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.

Genetic diversity assessment of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt as revealed by the URP and SRAP marker

Genetic diversity assessment of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt as revealed by the URP and SRAP marker

Race identification and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt

Race identification and differentiation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri causing chickpea wilt

Management of Fusarium Wilt of Chickpea Using Integrated Approaches Leading Induced Systemic Resistance

The objective of the research was to investigate the impact of Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Rhizobium, separately and together, on inducing systemic resistance in chickpea plants when exposed to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceris. Various parameters such as wilt incidence, plant growth promotion, yield, peroxidase activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, and total phenol content were assessed after treating chickpea seeds (GNG-469) with these bioagents. The findings from in vitro experiments indicated that the treatment T14, which involved the combination of 1% T. harzianum, 2% P. fluorescens, and 2% Biochar, was the most potent combination of bioagents. Compared to the untreated control, this treatment considerably reduced wilt incidence and enhanced root length, shoot length, and overall yield. Furthermore, treatment T14 increased peroxidase activity by 1.4%, polyphenol oxidase activity by 1.6%, and total phenol content by 2.3% in chickpea plants during Fusarium wilt disease. These findings have crucial implications for creating innovative formulations utilizing fungal and bacterial bioagents to effectively control wilt disease in chickpea plants. Rhizobium exhibited the lowest growth inhibition (23.13%), and T. harzianum showed the highest growth inhibition (66.38%) in vitro compared to control. New generation fungicide such as Amistar top T5 (18%), the positive control, was highly effective against this soil-borne pathogen; however, chemical pesticides with hazardous implications must be replaced by ecofriendly biocontrol agents.. KEYWORDS :Systemic resistance, Chickpea wilt, Fusarium oxysporum ciceris, Biochar, Fungicides, Bioagents

Comprehensive transcriptome analyses of Fusarium-infected root xylem tissues to decipher genes involved in chickpea wilt resistance.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03803-9.

The severity level classification of Fusarium wilt of chickpea by pre-trained deep learning models

The severity level classification of Fusarium wilt of chickpea by pre-trained deep learning models

Exploitation of indigenous fluorescent pseudomonads for the management of wilt of chickpea caused by <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f. sp. <i>ciceris</i>

Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a devastating soil-borne disease with a significant impact on yields and affecting chickpea production worldwide. Fluorescent pseudomonads are utilized as effective biocontrol agents (BCA) against a variety of phytopathogens and they play a key role in pathogen suppression through various processes. In the present study, twenty indigenous fluorescent pseudomonads were isolated from twenty soil samples collected from different districts of North Eastern Karnataka. The isolates were tested in vitro for their ability to resist the pathogen by using a dual culture approach. Further, morphological and biochemical characters were studied by growing these isolates on King’s B agar medium. All twenty isolates showed inhibition of the test pathogen, with isolate PF-19 showing the highest inhibition of 88.89%. All the isolates developed slimy, irregular colonies with light yellowish green pigmentation, fluorescence under UV light and rod-shaped cells under the microscope, as well as gram negative in reaction. All isolates except PF-2, Pf-9 and PF-10 revealed positive results for KOH, catalase, gelatin liquefaction and starch hydrolysis.

Identifying F. oxysporum Strains Causing Wilt in Southern Indian Chickpeas

Fusarium oxysporum (Schletend: Fr) f. sp. ciceri (Padwick), referred to as Foc, is a soil-borne fungus that poses a constant threat to chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) by causing wilt disease. Typical wilt symptoms were observed in chickpea plants collected from 24 different locations across three southern Indian states. The process involved isolating Fusarium species from the roots of these wilted plants, resulting in the identification of various strains exhibiting diverse cultural and morphological characteristics on potato dextrose agar medium. All twenty four isolates were subjected to Koch's postulates using the standard method, which yielded varied responses in terms of disease incidence. After analyzing cultural, morphological, molecular traits, and conducting pathogenicity tests, the fungus was definitively identified as F. oxysporum Schlechtend. Fr. f. sp. ciceri (Padwick) Matuo and K. Sato. Among the 24 isolates tested on the chickpea wilt susceptible cultivar JG-62, one was non-pathogenic with zero percent disease incidence (PDI), while one isolate was highly pathogenic showed 100 percent PDI. Highly pathogenic four isolate was further used for molecular identification with secreted in xylem primers (SIX). Comparative studies of cultural traits and conidial morphology among different isolates revealed variations in growth patterns, pigmentation, sporulation, and the size and structure of macro and micro conidia, as well as chlamydospores.

Scenario of Wilt Incidence of Chickpea in Major Chickpea Growing Regions of Northern Karnataka, India

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important pulse crops grown in India. Chickpea wilt complex is one of the most devastating crop diseases in northern Karnataka. Because of abundant inoculum in the soil and suitable environment circumstances, infected plants die, resulting in full loss of yield. A random roaming study was done in important chickpea farming districts of northern Karnataka, namely Dharwad, Belagavi, Haveri, Gadag, Bagalkot, Kalaburgi, and Vijayapur, during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-22, to establish disease incidence and its in severity in different places. The survey results demonstrated a link between three pathogens: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, Rhizoctonia bataticola, and Sclerotia rolfsii. Dharwad district has the highest illness incidence (30.20%), followed by Kalburgi district.with 29.85 per cent.