Screening for Ascochyta Blight Resistance in Chickpea Under Controlled Environment and Field Conditions. M. P. HAWARE, Senior Scientist (Pathology); International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. H. A. VAN RHEENEN, Principal Scientist (Breeding), and N. S. S. PRASAD, Senior Engineer, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India. Plant Dis. 79:132-135. Accepted for publication 19 October 1994. Copyright 1995 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-79-0132.

The occurrence and severity of Ascochyta blight of chickpea is influenced by environmental factors, which can complicate field screening. A controlled-environment plant growth room was developed at ICRISAT Asia Center to rapidly screen chickpea genotypes within 15 days for resistance to Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei. A positive correlation was observed between results from controlled-environment and field screenings in an area where the pathogen is endemic.