Diagnostic PREDICTA®B testing for Phytophthora inoculum of chickpea during waterlogged soil conditions.

Abstract

Key findings • PREDICTA®B testing in media sown to chickpea in transient flooding events detected increased level of phytophthora root rot (PRR) disease and inoculum levels. • Long-term waterlogging significantly increased Phytophthora inoculum levels detected in the PRR susceptible line RupaliA, but not PRR resistant chickpea lines, 04067-81-2-1-1 or YorkerA. • Chickpea lines with higher resistance to PRR resulted in reduced root disease and inoculum load under long-term waterlogging conditions. • PREDICTA®B testing should be used cautiously when determining the PRR risk for chickpea as Phytophthora inoculum can survive across seasons undetected in suitable soil pockets or medic weeds, and can aggressively develop into disease within a crop. • PREDICTA®B testing is best suited as a diagnostic tool to confirm PRR is present for paddock history and rotation purposes. • When collecting soil samples for PRR diagnostic PREDICTA®B testing include suspect root tissues.