Mating type distribution, genetic diversity and population structure of Ascochyta rabiei, the cause of Ascochyta blight of chickpea in western Iran

Ascochyta blight (caused by rabiei) is an important disease of chickpea. Mating type distribution, genetic diversity and population structure A. rabiei isolates from western Iran, using specific matting primers, ISSR SSR molecular markers. Two mating types were identified, with the 57% belonging to MAT1-1. Ten markers produced 78 polymorphic bands average polymorphism information content (PIC) value 0.33. Seven showed high allelic variation (four seven alleles) PIC 0.61. The generated dendrogram neighbor joining approach marker data grouped in three clusters. Combined model-based analysis divided into two distinct populations. No significant correlation was found between geographical origins their patterns, although North Kermanshah Kurdistan closely grouped, most Lorestan clustered a separate group. This relative spatial locations grouping indicated within populations no gene flow distinctly regions. suggests nece0ssity continuous monitoring order design effective chickpea breeding strategies control disease.