Identification and characterization of resistance to rust (Uromyces ciceris-arietini (Grognot) Jacz. & Boyd) in a germplasm collection of Cicer spp.

A collection consisting of 140 accessions of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and 109 accessions of related wild species (Cicer spp.) was screened for resistance to chickpea rust (Uromyces ciceris-arietini (Grognot) Jacz. & Boyd). Varying levels of partial resistance were identified, based on a reduced disease severity and area under disease progress curve without any macroscopically visible host cell necrosis. Higher levels of resistance were observed in wild Cicer species, but neither associated with hypersensitivity. Components of resistance have been macros- and microscopically studied in selected C. arietinum accessions. Resistance was expressed as longer latent period and lower infection frequency, which were associated with increased percentage of early aborted colonies, reduced number of haustorial mother cells and haustoria per colony, and reduced colony size.