Detection of resistant chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes to Cuscuta campestris (field dodder)

The parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris (field dodder) is the most damaging dodder species, parasitising shoots of broad-leaved crops. Cuscuta campestris control is extremely difficult because of its hard-coated seeds, its nature of attachment and intimate host-parasite association. Chickpea is highly susceptible to C. campestris. However, there are few efficient means of selectively managing this parasitic plant in this crop. The aim of this study was to examine and detect the response of chickpea genotypes that are resistant to C. campestris, to identify, understand and utilise them to combat C. campestris. A large-scale glasshouse screening was conducted to test the response of chickpea genotypes to C. campestris. Next, we tested outstanding resistant genotypes and Israeli varieties. Finally, we confirmed the response of the outstanding resistant genotypes and tested the resistance to secondary dodder parasitism. Most chickpea genotypes tested were susceptible to C. campestris. However, the chickpea genotypes 'ICCV 95333' and 'Hazera 4' exhibited high resistance; on more than 80% of the chickpea plants, there was no C. campestris development. The resistance phenomenon was characterised by the repelling of the parasite haustoria by the resistant host plant, thus leading to starvation and death of the obligate parasite. Further studies are in progress to elucidate the resistance phenomena and to confirm the resistance under field conditions.