Characterization of resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) in a germplasm collection of Lathyrus sativus

Lathyrus sativus has a considerable potential for dry land‐farming systems but can be severely damaged by powdery mildew infection. Little is known about the availability of resistance against powdery mildew and the underlying mechanisms in the Lathyrus genus. A range of resistance reactions was identified in a collection of Iberian‐cultivated L. sativus germplasm. In most cases a compatible reaction to powdery mildew with no macroscopically visible necrosis was observed. Nevertheless, accessions with reduced disease severity despite being of a high infection type have been identified. The genes responsible for this partial resistance will be potentially useful for the development of durable resistant cultivars of Lathyrus spp., and may also be of value for the improvement of other related cultivated leguminous plants.