An update on the host plant resistance to pigeonpea diseases

Abstract

The production and productivity of pigeonpea is severely constrained by diseases such as Fusarium wilt, sterility mosaic disease and Phytophthora blight. These diseases can be serious alone or as component of complex. Estimates of yield loss as caused by these diseases are not precise. This paper summarises the current knowledge of pigeonpea diseases with special reference to emerging diseases in the light of climate change. Recent developments in host plant resistance including the screening techniques and sources of resistance identified over the last few years have been highlighted in this paper.