Resistance to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lentis, Race 0) in Lens spp. Germplasm

Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lentis, is a severe disease of lentil (Lens culinaris) causing premature defoliation, necrotic stem lesions that lead to plant wilting and death in susceptible varieties. Two races of C. lentis (0 and 1) have been described so far. Race 0 is the most virulent one and limited genetic resistance is available to date. To address this scarcity of resistance, we screened a germplasm collection covering different Lens spp. originating from different countries for C. lentis race 0 resistance. Leaf and stem damage and plant mortality were assessed on seedlings inoculated under controlled conditions. A significant variability was observed among accession. Most of the collection studied was highly susceptible, but some levels of resistance were identified in about 15% of the accessions. The highest levels of resistance were identified in L. ervoides accessions PI572330, PI572334 and PI572338. Moderate resistance was also identified in 10 L. culinaris ssp. culinaris accessions but not in the remaining species studied. Selected accessions showed potential to integrate several breeding programs.