Role of meteorological factors on development of stem and root rot of sesame

Abstract

The influence of various meteorological factors viz. bright sunshine hour, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on the development of Macrophomina phaseolina causing stem and root rot of sesame were studied. Sesame variety Gujarat Til 2 was sown on five different dates at seven days intervals begun from 07 July during Kharif 2016. The stem and root rot was more progressive during 37th and 39th standard meteorological week when the bright sunshine (8.70 and 9.10 hrs) and maximum temperature (34.50 and 33.30 0C) increased, minimum temperature (24.90 and 24.20 0C) and relative humidity (Rh1) decreased (90.70 and 93.60%), respectively and there was no rainfall.