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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #391766
Research Project: Improving Genetic Resources and Disease Management for Cool Season Food Legumes

Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research

Title: Ascochyta rabiei: A threat to global chickpea production

Author
item SINGH, RITU - National Institute Of Plant Genome Research
item KUMAR, KAMAR - National Institute Of Plant Genome Research
item PURAYANNUR, SAVITHRI - National Institute Of Plant Genome Research
item Chen, Weidong
item VERMA, PRAVEEN KUMAR - National Institute Of Plant Genome Research

Submitted to: Molecular Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2022
Publication Date: 7/1/2022
Citation: Singh, R., Kumar, K., Purayannur, S., Chen, W., Verma, P. 2022. Ascochyta rabiei: A threat to global chickpea production. Molecular Plant Pathology. 23(9):1241-1261. https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13235.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13235

Interpretive Summary: The necrotrophic pathogen Ascochyta rabiei causes Ascochyta blight, a devastating chickpea disease worldwide. The disease infects all above ground parts of the plant, which results in severe yield loss. The disease occurs in most of the chickpea growing regions. Significant advances have been made in understanding the ecology, evolution and mechanisms of pathogenesis of Ascochyta rabiei. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis along with the pathogen biology, ecology and management practices. The possible areas of future research are also discussed.

Technical Abstract: The necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei causes an important Ascochyta blight (AB) disease of chickpea. A. rabiei infects all foliar parts of the plant, which results in severe yield loss. At present, AB disease occurs in most of the chickpea growing countries. Globally increased incidences of A. rabiei infection and emergence of new aggressive isolates directed the interest of researchers towards understanding the evolution of pathogenic determinants in this fungus. In this review, we briefly summarize the molecular and genetic studies of the pathogen along with approaches that are helping in combating the disease. The possible areas of future research are also suggested.