Effect of rust (Uromyces fabae) on nodulation and nitrogenase activity in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important vegetable as well as a pulse crop throughout the world. The effect of rust disease (Uromyces fabae) on the number, size of root nodules and on nitrogenase activity of pea was investigated through pot and field experiments at Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi during 2004–05 using susceptible cultivar ‘Arkel’. Significant reductions in nodulation and the size of root nodules as well as in nitrogenase activity were recorded in infected plants.