Pathogenic variation among Fusarium isolates associated with wilt of chick-pea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Variability among the six isolates viz. FOC-R-1, FOC-H-2, FOC-G-3, FOC-J-4, FOC-L-5 and FOC-Ju-6 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.ciceri of chick pea collected from different locations was studied in respect of cultural, morphological characters and pathogenicity. Three isolates produced moderate to fluffy white mycelium, while other three isolates produced thin flat to fluffy pinkish mycelium growth. Colony dia ranged from 61.3 to 73.6 mm after 8 days of incubation at 27 ± 2°C on P.D.A. Dry mycelium weight ranged from 110.0 to 204.0 mg while number of spores ranged from 4.3 to 22.0 ml⁻¹ microscopic field. Wilt incidence among the six isolates ranged from 59.9 to 100% in JG-62, a variety highly susceptible to wilt. Two isolates from Rahuri and Hisar were highly virulent as evident from abundant sporulation, while others were moderately virulent showing poor sporulation.