Variability in single spore isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri

Nine isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, incitant of wilt of chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) were studied for their discernible characters. The isolates tested for their pathogenic nature using susceptible JG-62 variety of chickpea were found virulent in sterilized as well as in unsterilized soil. The isolate Sriganganagar was highly virulent. There was practically no direct correlation between the cultural characters and virulence of any of the isolates. The mycelial growth of eight isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri on Czapek's dox agar basal medium with different carbon and nitrogen sources varied. Forty varieties/germplasm of chickpea screened against the highly virulent isolate Sriganganagar in sick soil in pots revealed resistance and susceptibility.