Screening of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) genotypes for resistance to Colletotrichum gloeosporoides

Anthracnose is one of the most destructive fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides in yard long bean, leading to complete crop loss at all stages and its parts like hypocotyls, stem, peduncle, flowers, leaves and pods were seriously affected. Few bush type cowpea cultivars have been earlier identified as reliable sources of resistance while trailing types are susceptible, but high yielding. Breeding resistant varieties is suggested as the only practical strategy, especially under hot and humid condition. Fifty-yard-long bean genotypes belonging to bush, semi erect and pole types were screened against anthracnose disease through artificial inoculation under pot culture. The present study identified the resistant varieties of vegetable cowpea through artificial inoculation followed by detached leaf assay. Among the 50 varieties of yard long bean observed, Kanakamony, dual purpose yard long bean was found highly resistant with disease severity of 3.67% followed by Arimbra local.