Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice crop widely cultivated in Telangana; however, its production is often affected by several soil-borne fungal diseases. To assess the incidence of these diseases, a roving survey was conducted during Kharif 2025-2026 in five major chilli-growing districts of Telangana, viz., Mahabubabad, Warangal, Khammam, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Karimnagar, covering 13 mandals and 35 villages. Disease incidence was recorded, and infected plant samples were collected for the isolation and identification of the associated fungal pathogens. The survey showed that Fusarium wilt was the most prevalent soil-borne disease in all the districts surveyed. Among the districts, Khammam recorded the highest mean disease incidence (33.71%), followed by Mahabubabad (22.76%), Jayashankar Bhupalpally (19.72%) and Warangal (17.14%), whereas Karimnagar recorded the lowest incidence (3.74%). Collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii was also observed, but at comparatively low levels. The fungal pathogens isolated from diseased plants included Fusarium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Variation in disease incidence may be associated with the cultivated varieties, soil type, moisture, temperature, irregular rainfall and continuous chilli monocropping. The findings provide current information on the incidence and distribution of soil-borne fungal diseases in Telangana and highlight the importance of regular disease monitoring.
B. N. Sri, B. V. Sagar, G. Padmaja et al.· Journal of Advances in Biolo...· 0 citations
Background: Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) is an invasive insect pest of maize that can cause substantial foliar damage and adversely affect crop production. Host-plant resistance offers a sustainable and environmentally compatible approach for managing this pest; however, information on resistance in diverse maize germplasm remains limited. Therefore, identifying resistant genotypes is important for supporting the development of fall armyworm-resistant maize.
Aims: The present study screened 25 maize genotypes for resistance to the invasive insect pest fall armyworm under artificial infestation conditions.
Study Design: A randomised block design (RBD) with three replications was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during Kharif 2025 at the Winter Nursery Centre, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.
Methodology: Fall armyworm larvae were reared on a chickpea-casein-based artificial diet, and first instar neonates were released onto plants at the V5 phenological stage. Leaf damage rating (LDR) was scored on a 1-9 scale at 7, 14, and 21 days after infestation (DAI); genotypes were categorised as resistant (1-3), moderately resistant (3-6), and susceptible (6-9).
Results: The LDR at 14 days after infestation varied from 2.58 to 7.34 across genotypes. Three genotypes, CML 71 (2.81), DMRE-63 (2.58), and CML 67 (2.92), were classified as resistant; 19 genotypes were moderately resistant; and three genotypes, MIL 9-1662 (6.2), CM 202 (6.44), and Sarhad HSRB (7.34), were susceptible.
Conclusion: The resistant genotypes identified in this study may serve as valuable sources of resistance for incorporation into maize breeding programmes aimed at developing FAW-resistant genotypes.
Bhavani G., P. Soujanya, S. Upendhar et al.· Journal of Advances in Biolo...· 0 citations
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