Characterisation and Genetic Dissection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Infection in Domesticated and Wild Chickpea

Abstract

The necrotrophic fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes the economically damaging Sclerotinia Stem Rot (SSR) of chickpea. This thesis describes the first report of partial resistance in wild and Australian chickpea germplasm. The quantitative trait loci responsible for resistance, key factors the pathogen employ during infection and chickpea resistance responses are reported. Together, this thesis provides an insight into the chickpea-sclerotinia interaction and is a noble resource in developing SSR control strategies