Identification of resistant sources and DNA markers linked to genomic region conferring dry root rot resistance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A set of 520 chickpea germplasm lines was screened under laboratory conditions using blotter paper technique for reaction to dry root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler. The lines PG06102, BG2094 and IC552137 were identified as resistant for dry root rot. Phenotyping the mapping population consisting of 129 F-2:3 progeny derived from the cross L550 x PG06102 during 2013 winter indicated monogenic inheritance of dry root rot resistance. Fifty-two of 381 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers polymorphic between the two parents were used to genotype F-2 resistant and susceptible bulks prepared on the basis of reaction of F-2:3 progeny. Four markers differentiated the resistant and susceptible bulks. All the four polymorphic markers were then assayed on the entire F-2 population. Linkage analysis using 129 F-2 plants revealed that two markers ICCM0299 and ICCM0120b were co-segregating with resistance to dry root rot. These two markers appeared to have additive effects on resistance and could be potentially utilized in dry root resistance breeding programme.