Influence of gamete selection for wilt resistance in the F1 generation on the variability of non-target quantitative traits in F2 generation of chickpea

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) despite its broad adaptation, production is restricted by several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris is the major limiting factor for chickpea productivity. The best strategy to manage this disease is through use of resistant cultivars. Gamete selection is effective technique, which can be easily combined with conventional methods to develop resistant varieties in short time [1-3]. By artificially imposing various selective pressures during the process of gamete formation and fertilization in the F1 generation, one can increase the frequency of plants with the targeted trait. The application of gamete selection for wilt resistance has increased the frequency of resistant plants in segregating population [1]. Gamete selection may produce resistant plants but there are chances that it may result in low productivity due to linkage drag. The present study was undertaken to analyze effect of gamete selection for wilt resistance on segregation and variability of non-targeted quantitative traits in the F2 generation.