Survey of root rot of field pea and lentil in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2016

Citation

S. Chatterton, B.D. Gossen, M.W. Harding, R. Bowness and B. Olson. Survey of root rot of field pea and lentil in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2016. Saskatchewan Regional Meeting, Canadian Phytopathological Society. Saskatoon SK, December 5, 2016. (oral presentation)

Abstract

Root rots caused by Fusarium spp. are a severe yield constraint , and Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs. has recently been identified as an important pathogen on field pea (Pisum sativum L.) production on the Canadian prairies. To assess the prevalence, incidence and severity of root rot in pea and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) crops in Alberta and Saskatchewan, a survey was conducted at flowering in June July 2016 for above- and below-ground symptoms of root rot. Fields surveyed were categorized according to soil zone (black, brown, dark brown) for analysis of root rot incidence and severity. Crops were evaluated at 10 sites per field. Roots from 5 10 plants per site were dug, washed, and individual roots were assigned a visual rating for disease severity (from 1=healthy, 7=dead). DNA was extracted from roots with a severity rating of 4–6, and the extracted DNA was assessed in four multiplex end-point PCR reactions using primers designed to test for presence/absence of A. euteiches, nine Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and P. irregulare. Root rot symptoms were found in >85% of pea and lentil crops surveyed. Fusarium spp. were the most abundant fungi present in roots. Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium spp. were also detected, but at much lower frequencies. The frequency of detection of A. euteiches was higher in pea than lentil crops (55% vs. 31%), and higher in fields in Alberta than in Saskatchewan (61% vs. 44%).

Publication date

2016-12-05

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