A comparison of methods for the detection of Ascochyta rabiei in chickpea seeds

Seed health is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds. The present study aimed to compare and identify the best incubation methods for detecting Ascochyta rabiei associated with chickpea seeds. Four protocols were compared for their sensitivity in detecting A. rabiei: T1) Incubation on paper substrate or filter paper method (blotter test) without surface disinfection, T2) Blotter test through the water restriction technique, T3) PDA plate test, and T4) MEA plate test. Four independent chickpea seed lots, naturally infected with A. rabiei, were sampled from Córdoba Province and other four were sampled from Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Each treatment was applied to a total of 400 seeds from each locality for the methods to be comparable. T2 and T3 were statistically more sensitive in detecting A. rabiei-infected seeds from Córdoba. Only these two treatments were repeated for seeds from Buenos Aires Province, and T3 proved to be more sensitive; thus, it is recommended for routine sanitary analysis of chickpea seeds.