Evaluation of Field Pea Varieties for Resistance to Fusarium Root Rot Pathogens

Abstract

Fusarium root rot is one of the most important diseases of pulse crops, with numerous Fusarium spp. comprising the disease complex. Fusarium solani and F. avenaceum have been reported to be major pathogens in the pea root rot complex, and all commonly grown varieties are susceptible. Greenhouse methods to evaluate peas for resistance to Fusarium root rot resulted in inconsistent disease severity across varieties. In 2015, F. avenaceum infested field plots were more heavily damaged based on emergence and yield than F. solani infested plots, and opposite trends were observed in 2016. Differences in root rot severity between years could be due to F. solani infestation causing more damage under warmer temperatures, while plots infested with F. avenaceum caused more damage under cooler temperatures. These results highlight the difficulties observed when screening for soil-borne pathogens, and the increased difficulties when a pathogen complex and changing environmental conditions are involved.