Variant specific studies on inheritance for resistance to Fusarium wilt in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

The present study was undertaken to investigate the inheritance of resistance against two variants of Fusarium wilt (Variant 1 and Variant 2), using highly resistant (ICP8863) and susceptible (Type 7) pigeonpea genotypes. In order to develop F₂ mapping population from the cross Type 7 x ICP8863, homogeneity and true hybridity testing was carried out using molecular markers (OPP-17, CCB-10, PPMC-1, PPMC-2, and PPMC-3). Phenotyping of mapping population was carried against two variants in the pots inoculated with 5% of inoculum (w/w) under green house conditions. Chi-square test based on phenotypic data revealed that the resistance was governed by a single recessive gene against variant 1 and two recessive genes against variant 2 in ICP8863. These results will be helpful in developing appropriate mapping and resistance breeding strategies against these two variants of Fusarium wilt in pigeonpea.