Identification of sources of resistance to crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata) in Spanish lentil (Lens culinaris) germplasm

The weedy root parasite Orobanche crenata constitutes a serious threat to lentils and other legumes grown in the Mediterranean and western Asia. Control strategies have centred on agronomic practices and the use of herbicides. Resistance breeding is hampered by scarcity of proper sources of resistance and of a reliable and practical screening procedure. A stepwise procedure was used here. A Spanish germplasm collection of 234 accessions of lentils (Lens culinaris) was screened for resistance to crenate broomrape under field conditions. A wide range of responses was observed, however, complete resistance was not detected. Some accessions exhibited a substantial reduction in broomrape infection. Thirty-five lentil accessions with reduced broomrape infection were selected for further screening in the field and to determine the components of resistance in pot and in mini-rhizotron experiments. Low infection seemed to be based on a combination of various escape and resistance mechanisms: (i) a lower root density, (ii) a lower induction of Orobanche seed germination, (iii) the reduced establishment of broomrape radicles and (iv) a limited development of established tubercles. In addition, necrosis of tubercles was observed in some accessions. This study shows how complementary in vitro screening methods may be used to rank and identify lentil accessions with potential broomrape resistance, based on different resistance mechanisms which may in the future be combined into a single cultivar by breeding.