Characterization of Elite Genotypes for Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

Background: The development of Fusarium wilt resistant varieties is a major challenge in pigeonpea breeding and need to be addressed on priority basis. In this study, efforts had been made to characterize the elite pigeonpea genotypes for Fusarium wilt resistance at morphological and molecular level. Methods: The present study was undertaken during kharif season of year 2018-19 at NEB, Crop Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A and T, Pantnagar. The experimental materials for present study consisted of 15 elite pigeonpea genotypes and three commercially grown popular varieties as checks. The molecular analysis was conducted during year 2019-20 and a susceptible variety BAHAR was used as check. The nine yield based indices were used for morphological analysis. The molecular analysis was carried out by using five already reported Fusarium wilt linked SSR markers. Result: The results revealed that the marker ASSR 363, ASSR 366, ASSR 1, ASSR 23 and ASSR 148 were highly effective in differentiating the resistant and susceptible genotypes of pigeonpea for wilt disease. On the basis of morphological and molecular studies, it was concluded that the genotype PA 626 was the most superior genotype as it not only yielded higher than all the three checks but also shown resistance against wilt at both phenotypic and genotypic level.