Genetic diversity of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f sp <i>ciceris</i> populations affecting chickpea in Morocco

Abstract

Background Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major food legume crop in Morocco and other regions, serving as an inexpensive and protein-rich source. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc) is a soilborne fungus responsible for wilt disease in chickpea. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of this fungus is essential for insights into its evolutionary potential and intraspecific variation.

Methods and Results In this study, 84 Foc isolates from different Moroccan regions were analyzed using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 52 alleles were identified, averaging 6.5 alleles per locus. Genetic diversity (H) ranged from 0.57 to 0.77. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct groups, while Structure analysis suggested two main populations. Genetic differentiation (Fst) was 0.066, with gene flow (Nm) estimated at 4.003, indicating higher variation within than between populations.

Conclusions These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of Foc in Morocco, highlighting the evolutionary and adaptive potential of this fungal pathogen. The data contribute to a better understanding of the biology and population dynamics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, relevant to both mycological and plant pathology studies.