Phenotyping of F2 populations of Indian mustard for Sclerotinia rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum under artificial inoculation conditions

Abstract

Sclerotinia rot incited by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a major threat of rapeseed- mustard worldwide. For over two decades, research on the management of this disease has been directed at various approaches, and yet available methods have not provided effective control. Host resistance offers the environmentally safe and long-term method for effective management of this disease. Therefore, F2 population of two crosses i.e. RH 1138×RH 1222-28 and RH 406× RH 1222-28 were screened for their relative resistance/tolerance to Sclerotinia rot under artificial inoculation and permanent sick plot conditions in field at Research Area of Oilseeds Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS HAU, Hisar during rabi 2018-19. Results indicated that fourteen individuals of F2 population (RH 406 × RH 1222-28) and only two individuals of F2 population (RH 1138 × RH 1222-28) exhibited complete resistance to Sclerotinia rot under artificial inoculation conditions.These sources of resistant F2 plants need to be tested for confirmation for their resistance with other inoculation techniques and after that may be utilized in resistance breeding programme for development of resistant variety of Indian mustard.