Documentation of Nursery Disease of Teak in Forestry Plantation

Author: M. Soumyakala, C.Ushamalini, G. Thiribhuvanamala, K.T. Parthibhan and P. Radha

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Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most important timber trees of India and South-east Asia were grown in various states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The Teak grown nurseries were affected by several pest and diseases, hence to record the incidence of pest and diseases the survey was conducted. Survey was conducted during 2022-23 in forest nurseries of various places of Coimbatore districts viz, Mettupalayam, Sirumugai, Madukkarai, Walayar and Coimbatore Teak nurseries. Various foliar diseases viz Powdery Mildew caused by Pseudo oidium tectonae, Leaf rust (Olivea tectona), leaf spot (Cercospora sp)along with wilt caused by F.oxysporum were recorded. Leaf rust, leaf spot existed throughout the season in the nursery while the powdery mildew observed during May-June and October to December, the incidence of root diseases was also noticed throughout the season in the nurseries. Among the diseases, the incidence of Cercospora leaf spot (29.8 PDI) and Root rot (38.1%) were severe in Teak nurseries. The diseases and their prevalence might vary in other regions and over different years. The study identified some diseases based on symptoms, but a more detailed analysis involving molecular techniques could provide accurate identification of pathogens, strains, and their genetic diversity. The study focused on individual pathogens, but interactions between different pathogens might exacerbate disease severity. These are some of the challenges of this study. This study also contributes valuable information by documenting the presence and severity of various diseases affecting Teak seedlings in forest nurseries .It also identified seasonal patterns of disease occurrence, which is crucial for developing targeted disease management strategies and optimizing resource allocation. The study provides a foundation for future research endeavors, such as investigating the genetic diversity of pathogens, understanding disease interactions, and developing effective disease control methods.

Keywords

Teak, Survey, Incidence, Root rot, cercospora leaf spot

Conclusion

In conclusion, the survey conducted in various forest nurseries of Coimbatore district revealed the presence of several diseases affecting Teak seedlings. The foliar diseases observed were Powdery Mildew caused by Pseudo oidium tectonae, Leaf rust (Olivea tectonae), and Leaf spot (Cercospora sp), while the root diseases included Wilt caused by F. oxysporum and Root rot. The severity of these diseases varied across the surveyed locations and seasons. Among the diseases, Powdery Mildew showed a significant incidence in Sirumugai (62.3% PDI) and Walayar (48.9% PDI), while Rust was more prevalent in Madukkarai (20.9% PDI). Leaf spot was widely distributed across all seasons, and the incidence varied from one location to another. Wilt and Root rot were observed throughout the year, with varying degrees of severity in different nurseries. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing these diseases in Teak nurseries to minimize their impact on seedling health and growth. Effective disease management practices should be implemented to safeguard the Teak saplings, which are essential for the sustainable supply of this valuable timber tree.

References

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How to cite this article

M. Soumyakala, C.Ushamalini, G. Thiribhuvanamala, K.T. Parthibhan and P. Radha (2023). Documentation of Nursery Disease of Teak in Forestry Plantation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 41-44.