Full Length Article Influence of Inoculation Methods and Inoculum Levels on the Aggressiveness of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris on Chickpea and Plant Growth

Abstract To screen the plants against diseases suitable inoculation method together with appropriate inoculum density are essential. Measurements of propagules required for infection are also necessary for the development of potential disease risk analysis. To find out the best method for the pathogenicity test of chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris five inoculation methods viz., soil infestation, seed infestation, drenching, injection and spraying methods were evaluated. The soil infestation, seed infestation followed by drenching method were highly effective in establishing the F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceris infection in chickpea plants. The plant inoculation with these methods produces higher plant mortality and higher infection as well as reduced plant growth. In order to determine the effective inoculum level of F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceris for the development of disease, chickpea plants were inoculated with 10