Genetic Inheritance of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) Genotypes

Abstract

Fusarium wilt disease (FWD) caused by F. udum is the most serious disease of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Significant yield losses which could result up to 100% were reported in susceptible cultivars throughout the pigeon peas growing areas. The reported loss results from low information on gene responsible with fusarium wilt resistance and its mode of inheritance. A study on genetic inheritance of Fusarium wilt resistance, was conducted on susceptible and resistant parents [F₁, F₂, (BC₁F₁), (BC₂F₁), and ICEAP 00048 and ICPL 96061]. The observation on F₂ generation showed a ratio of 3:1 that agreed with Mendelian ratio. It was concluded that the resistance to Fusarium wilt is under the influence of dominant allele hence it could be used to donate gene for disease resistance into genotypes where Fusarium wilt is of an economic problem.