Molecular and Phytopathological Characterization of Fusarium Wilt-Resistant Chickpea Genotypes for Breeding Applications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc), is a devastating disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), leading to vascular necrosis and plant death. This study evaluated 120 chickpea genotypes under natural infection field conditions during spring sowing in southeastern Kazakhstan, assessing disease incidence (DI) and severity (DS) to identify resistant germplasm. Molecular screening using eight SSR markers linked to Foc-1, Foc-2, Foc-3, and Foc-5 loci detected resistant alleles in 18, 26, 19, and 42 genotypes, respectively. The correlation between molecular marker data and phenotypic resistance evaluations confirmed UBC-170 (Foc-2) and TA-194 (Foc-5) as the most predictive diagnostic markers (p < 0.01). Ten genotypes showed complete disease resistance (DI < 5%, R), corresponding to the resistant control (cultivar “WR-315”), with confirmed presence of multiple Foc resistance genes. The results of this study revealed valuable genetic resources for marker-assisted breeding programs aimed at developing Fusarium wilt-resistant chickpea cultivars adapted to Central Asian agroclimatic conditions.
Source: Agriculture
Authors: Raushan Yerzhebayeva, Alfiya Abekova, Kuralay Baitarakova, Mukhtar Kudaibergenov, Aydarkhan Yesserkenov, Bekzhan Maikotov, Svetlana Didorenko
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4414426156