Exploring Host Plant Resistance of Cluster Bean Genotypes as for Sclerotium rolfsii Induced Collar Rot in Northern M.P., India

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) is an important commercial pulse crop of arid and semi-arid regions. As a legume, it improves soil fertility by replenishing nitrogen and tolerates moisture stress. However, its yield potential is constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors with stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. being a major soil-borne disease leading to significant crop and yield losses. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif 2023 season at Experimental Farm, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), to evaluate the resistance of Thirty-four cluster bean genotypes/varieties against Sclerotium rolfsii under natural field conditions. Among the thirty-four genotypes tested, fourteen genotypes namely GD 568, GD 570, GG 1904, GL 10, CAZG 17-4-1, CAZG 16-21, CAZG 20-37, CAZG 20-46, CAZG 17-16, M 83, RGR 18-8, RGR 20-7, X-25 and X-30 exhibited a highly resistant response. Eight genotypes (GD 574, GD 584, GG 2115, HG 2-20, CAZG 17-22, RGR 19-5, CAZG 19-10 and RGC 1066) were categorized as resistant. Ten genotypes showed moderate resistance: GD 562, GD 565, GD 567, GG 1902, RGR 19-7, CAZG 20-8, RGC 1033, X-16, RGR 18-1 and RGR 20-15. One genotype CAZG 17-4-5 was moderately susceptible while GG 1901 was found to be susceptible to the disease.