Identification and evaluation of durable resistance to sterility mosaic disease in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Huth)

Abstract

Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) presents a major challenge in pigeonpea cultivation throughout the Indian subcontinent. Chemical control methods, such as acaricides, are neither economically viable nor sustainable, making host plant resistance the preferred approach for managing this disease. In this study, we evaluated 39 pigeonpea germplasm accessions and breeding lines for SMD resistance over two consecutive Kharif seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). Of the 39 genotypes tested, 4 exhibited low disease incidence (0-10%) and were classified as resistant. Additionally, 25 genotypes showed disease incidence between 10.1-20.0% and were categorized as moderately resistant. These genotypes offer promising new sources of SMD resistance and should be considered for inclusion in future pigeonpea breeding programs aimed at improving resistance. This research provides valuable phenotypic insights and identifies stable resistant sources essential for advancing SMD resistance breeding efforts.