Collection, isolation and sclerotial germination of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary, an arising fungal pathogen causing stem rot disease in chickpea

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an essential pulse crop that provides protein to the country's undernourished vegetarian population. It has several illnesses. Stem rot of chickpea caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (ON831560.1) is a widespread and damaging disease in India. Infected plants first exhibited wilting signs before dying quickly, frequently without yellowing. Later, when the plant dries, the leaves turn straw-colored. Water-soaked patches might occur on the stem and leaves. Affected tissues become a slimy soft rot from which droplets of brown liquid may emerge. The infection persisted on dead plants spread over the area. The pathogen successfully proved the Koch postulates under glasshouse conditions and produced similar symptoms as those produced under field conditions.