Genetic inheritance and identification of germplasm sources for anthracnose resistance in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

• DOI: 10.1007/s10722-020-00917-4
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03T12:03:45Z
• Authors: Vennampally Nataraj; Shivakumar Maranna; Giriraj Kumawat; Sanjay Gupta; Laxman Singh Rajput; Sanjeev Kumar; Amar Nath Sharma; Virender Singh Bh...
• Keywords: Germ plasm; Glycine soja

Soybean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus & W.D. Moore is a devastating disease in Central and Southern India. Chemical control of this disease is neither economical nor eco-friendly and genetic resistance is considered to be an efficient means for its management. Therefore, in the current study, a total of 225 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm accessions were evaluated for anthracnose resistance which resulted in the identification of five genotypes viz., EC 538828, EC 34372, EC 457254, AKSS 67 and Karune as highly resistant. Genetics of anthracnose resistance in three F2 populations derived from EC 34372 × JS 95-60, EC 457254 × JS 95-60 and AKSS 67 × JS 95-60 revealed that the resistance in all the three resistant parents was governed by two major genes interacting in complementary fashion. The χ2 test for goodness of fit revealed that F2 plants in each of the three populations segregated in 9 resistant: 7 susceptible ratio. This is the first report on genetics of anthracnose resistance in soybean and will aid soybean breeders to develop a strategic anthracnose resistance breeding program and to map the genes governing resistance. Research findings from this study indicated the potential role of exotic germplasm in Indian soybean improvement against anthracnose disease.