Evaluation of Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) Genotypes against Anthracnose Disease

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Syn. Dolichos biflorus) accessions (21 genotypes and 4 released varieties: AK-21, AK-26, Palem-1 and Palem-2) were evaluated against anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum dematium both in the laboratory and greenhouse at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Hyderabad. None of the 25 accessions tested was found immune with 0% seed infection in the laboratory. Three accessions (AK-21, IC470275 and IC470259) were considered as resistant as they have recorded < 10% seed surface infection. Greenhouse screening using spray inoculation of C. dematium suspension resulted in identification of one immune accession, IC470275 with zero Percent disease index (PDI). None of the accessions was found resistant. Eleven accessions (IC470259, IC470255, IC470272, IC470311, IC526968, IC470171, IC470263, IC470278, IC470176, IC261287 and Palem-1) were grouped under Moderately Resistant category and eight accessions under susceptible category. The accession IC470275 (NS/05–113), which was found resistant in laboratory screening and immune under greenhouse conditions, can be used in the future crop improvement programmes to develop a suitable variety for growing in Andhra Pradesh region.