Morphogenetic variations among the isolates of Pigeon pea wilt pathogen isolated from different regions of Bundelkhand
Priyanka Sinha1*, Gazala Rizvi1 and Devendra Singh2
1Department of Botany 2Institute of Environment and development Studies, Bundelkhand University Jhansi - 284128 (India) *CorrespondingAuthor E-mail: prisinha75@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Vascular wilt of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] caused by Fusarium udum Butler is a significant threat to pigeon pea growers worldwide. This pathogen invades the xylem tissues of pigeon pea plants, leading to considerable losses for growers. Variability in the virulence of the pathogen is observed across different geographical regions growing the same crop. Pathogens isolated from selected areas of Bundelkhand exhibited morphological, cultural, and genetic differences, with distinct strains of F. udum identified. These variations were labeled as strains FUA, FUB, FUC, FUD, and FUE, and their pathogenicity was assessed. Under cultural conditions, these strains produced cottony colonies ranging from white to yellow, with abundant fluffy aerial mycelium and light yellow to deep red pigmentation on the underside of the plate. Genetic variability among these strains was evaluated using five RandomAmplification of Polymorphic DNA(RAPD) primers: OPA2, OPA3, OPE02, OPB1, and A16. Primer OPA3 yielded the maximum number of bands across all five strains ofF. udum, while primer OPE02 produced the fewest amplifications.