Genotypic variability in seedborne infection of field pea by Mycosphaerella pinodes and its relation to foliar disease severity

A paper towel method was developed and used in 1994 and 1995 for the evaluation of 135 pea genotypes for resistance to seed-borne Mycosphaerella pinodes. Four accessions (P1273605, PI193845, PI195023, and PI179449) were rarely infected (<2% in the two screenings) and were considered resistant. Twelve accessions had infection ratings of 2% to <5% seed infection and were considered moderately resistant. The remaining 119 genotypes were either susceptible (5% to <10%) or highly susceptible (greater than or equal to 10%). All of the 135 genotypes were rated susceptible or highly susceptible to foliar infection by nif. pinodes. The percent infected seed and the severity of foliar disease by M. pinodes were not significantly correlated (R(2)<0.029, P>0.05).