Dry root rot (DRR), caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola, is an emerging constraint to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, India. This study aimed to map the distribution of the disease and evaluate the host range of the pathogen under field and controlled conditions. A systematic roving survey conducted during Rabi, 2019–20 across five major chickpea-growing districts viz., Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh, and Sri-Ganganagar revealed widespread disease incidence, with an overall mean Per cent Disease Incidence (PDI) of 23.87%. The highest incidence was recorded in Bikaner (27.64 %), while Hanumangarh had the lowest (18.89 %). Host range studies with a highly virulent isolate (RBbk1) under pot experiment showed that multiple field crops, vegetables, and weed species supported pathogen infection. These findings highlight the influence of localized environmental conditions and agronomic practices on disease incidence and wide host range of R. bataticola, reinforcing its status as a persistence and economically significant pathogen. Underline the need for integrated disease management strategies targeting both crop and non-crop reservoirs of the pathogen

Dry root rot, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Disease incidence, Host range, Integrated disease management

1. Survey studies confirmed the widespread occurrence of dry root rot in major chickpea growing districts of Rajasthan. The overall mean PDI recorded across all 125 surveyed fields was 23.87 per cent. 2. R. bataticola, a soil borne pathogen has a broad host range, infecting multiple field and vegetable crops across six plant families (Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Plantaginaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae and Solanaceae). Among weed species such as Avena fatua and Chenopodium album also acted potential source as alternative hosts in the fallow period

Sonali Meena and Data Ram Kumhar (2025). Mapping the Distribution and Host Range of Rhizoctonia bataticola causing Dry Root Rot in Chickpea in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Rajasthan. Biological Forum, 17(7): 29-35