Evaluation of resistance and morphological parameters of different sunflower cultivars against charcoal rot

Abstract

Charcoal rot is one of the major threats to sunflower which causes complete crop loss in epidemic conditions. The genetic resistance of sunflower germplasm could be more economical and durable approach for the management of charcoal rot. In the current experiment, six genotypes obtained from Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad were evaluated for their resistance and morphological parameters against Macrophomina phaseolina. Under field conditions, none of the cultivars gave immune or resistant response against the disease. FH-337 was found to be susceptible with 54.87% infection while FH-331, FH-106 and Hycanth-33 appeared moderately susceptible with 25-49% infections. The least affected varieties were FH-259 and DK-40 with moderately resistant status in the range of 10-24%. Yield parameters of resistant varieties were better than susceptible ones when compared under inoculated conditions. Moderately resistant genotypes might have the better genetic makeup and could be selected in breeding programs to find out resistant sunflower germplasm to fulfill the needs of growing population. Moreover, these cultivars could be used for better yield of sunflower.