Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM Fungi) reduces Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei) severity in CDC Leader chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract

Cicer arietinum (chickpea) production is limited by the pathogenic fungus Ascochyta rabiei, causal agent of Ascochyta blight (AB), that has evolved insensitivity against the FRAC Group 11 fungicides. Novel methods of pathogen control as part of an integrated pest management plan are required. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of 80% of land plants that exchange soil-derived nutrients for photosynthetic carbon and have been shown to reduce disease severity in several crops. The experiments described herein explored the potential of AM fungi inoculation and common mycorrhizal networks (CMN) to support chickpea plant health when challenged with AB in a greenhouse. Employing an H-pot design and hyphal size exclusion mesh, chickpeas were challenged with A. rabiei, and visual disease ratings recorded. The results showed that AM fungi inoculation and the CMN significantly decrease AB disease severity in chickpea. This research is an important preliminary step towards finding sustainable, integrated pest management methods of managing AB.