Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research
2021 Annual Report
Accomplishments
1. Fusarium root rot pathogens of fall-sown peas identified. Fusarium root rot is a serious disease of spring peas that can reduce yields by 60% when disease pressure is severe. Fall-sown, or “winter”, peas are a completely new crop in Washington and there is little known about the fungal pathogens that cause Fusarium root rot in fall-sown peas. ARS researchers in Prosser, Washington, used DNA sequencing to identify the pathogens that were primarily responsible for Fusarium root rot in fall-sown peas. The most prevalent pathogens were Fusarium acutatum, Fusarium rubicola, and Fusarium citricola. Isolates of these pathogens can be used to screen pea lines to identify those that combine disease resistance with food grade quality and winter hardiness for developing improved fall-sown peas.
