Screening of pea (Pisum sativum) lines and varieties against downy mildew caused by Peronospora viciae

Abstract

Pea is affected by a number of fungal, bacterial, nematode and viral diseases and amongst these, downy mildew caused by Peronospora viciae, is considered most important, especially under cool and humid conditions. As the use of host plant resistance is considered the best way to manage downy mildew, an experiment was carried out to identify a good resistant source from forty five pea lines and varieties by screening against downy mildew pathogen. The germplasm Pant P244 showed resistant reaction while germplasm P222 showed moderately resistant reaction; of remaining, forty were moderately susceptible and 3 were found susceptible. Pant P 244 and P 222 showed low AUDPC value (103.3 and 113.8) with slow infection rate as compares to other susceptible genotypes that had AUDPC value between 411.13 -525.0. Thus, Pant P 244 and P 222 can be cultivated with reduced number of fungicidal spray to obtain maximum yield and minimal downy mildew severity.