Variable response of interspecific breeding lines of groundnut to Sclerotium rolfsii infection under field and laboratory conditions

Abstract

Evaluation of interspecific derivatives of groundnut was carried out under field and laboratory conditions for stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii during rainy and post-rainy seasons from 2005-2008. Disease incidence was higher during rainy compared to post-rainy season. During initial screening of interspecific derivatives for stem rot under sick plot, 42 lines were found to be promising with no disease incidence. Advanced screening of these promising lines was carried out in concrete block with sick soil under field conditions and earthen pot with sick soil under lab conditions. Interspecific lines NRCGCS-47, NRCGCS-99, NRCGCS-131 and NRCGCS-319 were found promising against stem rot during early stages and later stages of crop growth. Out of which interspecific line NRCGCS-319 was found to be most stable one with comparatively lower pooled disease incidence over concrete block and laboratory conditions.