Abstract

CELLULAR DISEASES PROGRESSION STUDY OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS AND FUSARIUM SOLANI INTERACTION WITH CICER ARIETINUM L. HOST

*Shilpashree K. S., Sharada M. S. and Janasin Sangeetha

ABSTRACT

Chickpea being a rich source of protein is prone to damage by insects, pests and diseases. Anatomical studies were carried out in a timecourse manner to elucidate the infection process, Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium solani are not just common seed borne fungi but they have the potential to become a severe pathogen especially the Aspergillus sps. It was found that F. solani produces a characteristic brown spots on the leaves of the chickpea varieties which ultimately lead to wilting, A special characteristic infection was produced by the Fusarium solani on the KAK 2 variety where the infection was only to the midrib and the lateral restricted veins and not seen in the Mesophyll tissue. Even though it attacks the vascular system, it does not induce wilting of the leaves. Comparing the progression of infection, wilting period and the number of leaves or plant wilted in a given time, it was found that JG 11 was less prone to infection compared to KAK 2 followed by A1 which was very much prone to infection. Thus, the inoculation of the above mentioned varieties with A. flavus resulted in similar results, with varied symptoms and levels of severity.

Keywords: Fusarium solani Aspergillus sps. KAK 2 variety JG 11 and A1.