Occurrence and Present Situation of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease of Cotton in South Zone of India

Author: A. Sampathkumar, Venkatesh R. Kulkarni, J.M. Nidagundi and A.H. Prakash

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Abstract

Cercospora leaf spot caused by Cercospora gossypina is considered as minor disease in the past. Now a days the appearance of this disease and incidence is increasing slowly. It is an uphill task to know the presence and severity of the disease in major cotton growing areas of South Zone states namely Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. An extensive survey was conducted to know the current situation and occurrence of Cercospora leaf spot of cotton in major cotton growing districts of South Zone States during 2021-22 crop season. Cercospora leaf spot symptoms were observed in surveyed farmers’ fields at the end of the crop season. Fifty-five cotton fields have been covered for survey in nine major cotton growing districts of Karnataka namely Haveri (8), Gadag (4), Dharwad (8), Belagavi (8), Raichur (9), Vijayapura (7), Kalaburagi (3), Yadagiri (6) and Ballary (2). Disease incidence was recorded from 3.5 to 12.0 Percent Disease Index (PDI) with an average of 6.25 PDI. Maximum disease was recorded in Chikka Sindagi village of Vijayapura district. Fifteen fields have been surveyed in Telangana covering four districts such as Ranga Reddy (2), Warangal (4), Nirmal (5) and Adilabad (4). Moderate to less disease incidence was recorded (3.0 to 7.0 PDI) in hybrids and varieties grown in the region with an average of 5.5 PDI. Maximum (7.0 PDI) was recorded in Damera village of Warangal district. Ten fields in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh recorded moderate to less disease incidence (2.5 to 7.0 PDI) with an average of 5.3 PDI among five mandals covered namely Manthralayam (2), Nandavaram (1), Yemmiganur (3), Adoni (2) and Alur (2). Twenty fields were surveyed in Coimbatore district covering three taluks such as Annur (6), Kinathukadavu (5) and Coimbatore (9) and recorded less to moderate (2.0 to 8.5 PDI) disease incidence with an average of 5.5 PDI.

Keywords

Cercospora leaf spot, Cotton, Survey, Occurrence, Present situation

Conclusion

Cercospora leaf spot of cotton is observed and recorded in all cotton growing states of South Zone. PDI varied from 2.5 to 12.0 in surveyed area. Nutrient and water stress are the two major factors facilitate the pathogen infection and disease severity. Premature defoliation occurs due to this disease which results in immature fibre development. Proper irrigation and nutrient management will reduce the appearance of the Cercospora leaf spot of cotton and yield reduction.

References

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How to cite this article

A. Sampathkumar, Venkatesh R. Kulkarni, J.M. Nidagundi and A.H. Prakash (2023). Occurrence and Present Situation of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease of Cotton in South Zone of India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 301-306.