Disease Resistance in Pulses Against Root Pathogens

Pulses (grain legumes) such as pea, lentil and chickpea are indispensable for global nutritional security and nitrogen enrichment of soils. However, root pathogens including oomycetes (Aphanomyces euteiches), Fusarium spp., Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani inflict severe root rot, causing yield losses of up to half of potential production in infested fields. Disease resistance in pulses is predominantly quantitative, underpinned by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) whose associated genes orchestrate defence via cell‐wall fortification, hormone signalling and pathogen recognition. Advances in high‐density marker platforms and genome‐wide association studies have refined QTL for root‐rot resistance, enabling marker‐assisted and genomic selection to pyramid favourable alleles into elite lines. Transcriptomic analyses have revealed key candidate genes, such as leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases and WRKY transcription factors, that mediate early immune responses through jasmonic acid and abscisic acid pathways. Research into root system architecture demonstrates that deeper or more branched roots can hinder pathogen intrusion. Emerging tools—CRISPR‐based gene editing, cell‐type specific transcriptomics and enhanced molecular diagnostics—are accelerating functional validation of resistance loci. Integration of genetic resistance with crop rotation, soil microbiome management and judicious cultural practices provides a multifaceted approach to durable control of root rot in pulses, reducing reliance on chemical treatments and contributing to sustainable crop production worldwide.

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Disease Resistance in Pulses Against Root Pathogens publication trend

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Technical terms

Quantitative trait locus (QTL): A genomic region containing genes that contribute to variation in a quantitative trait such as disease resistance.

Genome‐wide association study (GWAS): A statistical analysis linking genetic markers across the entire genome with phenotypic variation in a population.

Transcriptomics: The large‐scale study of RNA transcripts produced by the genome under specific conditions, used to identify genes active in disease responses.

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase (LRR‐RLK): A class of cell‐surface proteins that perceive pathogen signals and initiate immune signalling cascades.

Oomycete: A group of fungus‐like organisms, including Aphanomyces euteiches, that cause destructive root‐rot diseases in plants.

References

1. Advanced backcross QTL analysis and comparative mapping with RIL QTL studies and GWAS provide an overview of QTL and marker haplotype diversity for resistance to Aphanomyces root rot in pea (Pisum sativum). Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
2. Transcriptomic analysis identifies candidate genes for Aphanomyces root rot disease resistance in pea. BMC Plant Biology (2024).
3. Understanding the root of the problem for tackling pea root rot disease. Frontiers in Microbiology (2024).
4. Comparative Genome-Wide-Association Mapping Identifies Common Loci Controlling Root System Architecture and Resistance to Aphanomyces euteiches in Pea. Frontiers in Plant Science (2018).