Exploration of Resistance and Susceptibility in Chilli Varieties/Advanced Lines against Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici (FOC)

Chilli (capsicum annum L.) is an important edible spice crop grown in tropical areas of world due to its richness of nutrients like carotinoides, fibers, mineral components, oils, proteins and vitamins. A number of biotic and abiotic factors are challenging devastatingly the successful production of chilli. Among all of these factors, Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.capsici (Foc) is a potential risk of declining its yield every year. Among all management approaches, use of resistant varieties is the best option towards Foc. For this purpose in contemporary study twenty five varieties/advanced lines of chilli were evaluated against Fusarium wilt under natural field conditions in research area, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad for two years 2017-18 and 2018-19 under randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results exhibited that none of varieties/advanced line expressedimmune response against the disease. Only one variety (BPVLC 14-1) was resistant with 18.76% disease incidence. Uttal, fengaio, Glaxy-2, Big daddy, GHHP 01, PH-275, Super sky AB, HPO33 and Super king were found moderately resistant (MR) with 21-40% disease incidence. Four varieties/advanced lines Hot-701. Hot shot, Omega and Silkey Red showed moderately susceptible response (MS) with 41-50% and Four (Super hot, Patyala F1, Angel F1 and Green king) were susceptible (S) with 51-70% incidence of Fusarium wilt. Seven (Tejal, BSS-410, Big Red AB, SB 6864-HM, Glory F1, Revival and Amber F1) varieties / advanced lines exhibited highly susceptible (HS) response.