Host Plant Resistance to Ascochyta Blight of Chickpea. Information Bulletin No. 82

Abstract

Ascochyta blight (AB) caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. is an important and widespread disease of chickpea worldwide. The disease is particularly severe under cool and humid weather conditions. A large volume of literature is available on studies related to various aspects of AB including biology, epidemiology and management methods. In this bulletin, attempts have been made to briefl y describe the distribution, economic importance, symptoms, causal organism, pathogen variability and host plant resistance. Information on recent advances in host plant resistance of AB and detailed descriptions of refi ned screening techniques developed at ICRISAT and elsewhere for identifi cation of resistant sources are provided. This bulletin provides comprehensive information on screening methods for AB, and will be useful to all researchers involved in Ascochyta blight management through host plant resistance