Can wild species of chickpea from Turkey help with resistance to root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei)?

Abstract

Take home messages
This is the first investigation of a new collection of wild germplasm for nematode resistance. It offers the chance to exploit novel sources of P. thornei resistance and untapped genetic diversity, currently not available in cultivated chickpea and will be valuable for national and international chickpea breeding programs
Accessions of the wild chickpea species (Cicer reticuatum and C. echinospermum) from Turkey, were on average more resistant to the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei than commercial cultivars of chickpea (C. arietinum)
A total of 53 (30%) wild accessions were found significantly more resistant to P. thornei than the least susceptible Australian chickpea cultivar PBA Seamer
Thirteen of the wild accessions were more resistant than a wild relative of chickpea, C. echinospermum ILWC 246 which was identified from earlier studies when only a limited number of wild accessions were available
Having novel sources of P. thornei resistance with possible resistance to multiple diseases and insect pests such as cotton boll worm (Helicoverpa armigera), will increase the base of P. thornei resistance, and genetic diversity within chickpea for deployment in chickpea breeding programs aimed at developing new varieties with improved yield but possessing P. thornei resistance
Linking the data with genetic diversity studies can provide information on P. thornei resistance genes and their locations in the chickpea genome
Having more effective genes for resistance to P. thornei in chickpea cultivars will protect chickpea from yield loss and result in lower P. thornei residual populations in the soil. This will benefit other susceptible crops such as wheat, resulting in more flexible rotations with a profitable legume, and allow increased profit for growers.