Variability of Fusarium udum isolates from distinguished locations of Prayagraj and adjacent districts

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Mill sp.] is India’s second most important pulse crop after chickpea. India is the largest producer of the pigeon pea crop, contributing approximately 77% of the global cultivation area and 73% of total production. Basic constraints for production are various diseases of Pigeon pea, specifically Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora blight, and sterility mosaic. As the wilt individually causes 60-80% annual yield loss, hence studies were conducted entitled “Variability of F. udum isolates from distinguished locations of Prayagraj and adjacent districts”. Thirty isolates were procured from different locations of Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kaushambi, and Fatehpur districts. Cultural studies showed high diversification with respect to that radial growth was observed to be fastest in 7 isolates, moderate in 11 isolates, and 12 isolates had the slowest growth rate. The mycelial pattern showed variations such as appressed growth, fluffy growth, serrated margin with fluffy growth, and circular margin with fluffy growth, with different colors from white to creamy white and light pink. The isolates produced cream, white, light yellow and yellowish white pigmentation. Concerning mycelial dry and wet weight, the highest wet weight was recorded for Fud-11 (3.173) and Fud-29 (3.104), whereas the highest dry weight was recorded for Fud-14(0.324) and Fud-29 (0.323). Macro-conidia measurement ranged from 12.9- 38.1 X 2.3- 5.7 µm in size, with septations ranging from 3-7, and Micro-conidia measurement ranged from 3.8- 17.8 X 2.1 -5.2 µm in size, mostly nonseptate or single septations.