Omics Approaches in Chickpea Fusarium Wilt Disease Management

Abstract

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC) is a widespread disease of chickpea that adversely affects the crop. The pathogen is more diverse in its pathogenicity. The more severe effect of FOC on yield and it varied from 10% to 100% depending upon the environmental conditions and host susceptibility. The main effects were transience in young seedlings, color differentiation (brown to black), and leaf senescence. Characterization and screening of high-yielding varieties for better remediation of the disease are needed. Chemical control is costly and not adequate to manage the crop. Moreover, the use of biocontrol agents, i.e., Burkholderia, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, also limits the pathogenetic effect substantial and best supernumerary against chemical control. Thus, plant omics technologies are needed for screening and monitoring of Fusarium sp. growth and improved the efficiency of disease management. Identification of new genes responsible for slow wilting and introducing into chickpea crops using integrated management protocols. The substantial development has ended the extrication of genetics for race-specific confrontation. The roots are directly in contact with these organisms while pathogen determination from the root zone is extremely less. So, there is a dire need for identification of transcription factors that play an important role to limit the pathogen activity participated in Fusarium oxysporum activity in the soil as well as chickpea. Functional genomics studies would play a significant role to help better understanding of pathogen chickpea interaction and play an auspicious role in resistance development against legume wilt.