Epidemiology of population dynamics of Phytophthora Spp. in Nagpur Mandarin

Abstract

Fixed plot survey was undertaken to plot correlation between environmental and soil factors with population density of Phytophthora spp. in soil during June 2016 to May 2017. Agro-meteorological data was recorded by using wireless sensors in selected plots and soil factors data was recorded by using soil chemistry lab in Dr. PDKV Akola. All four orchards were found infected with Phytophthora in the range of 3.9 to 43.6cfu/g of soil. There was consistent increase in population of Phytophthora spp. The propagules density and inoculum potential of Phytophthora spp. recorded at fortnightly interval from June 2016 to May 2017. There was significant progression in the propagules density in all plots with the increase in rainfall, relative humidity, soil moisture; soil pH and soil EC with decrease in air temperature. There was significant increase in the population density at high rainfall (186.00mm), relative humidity (80.51%), soil moisture (29.41%); soil pH (7.5) and soil EC (0.33dS/m) with decrease in air temperature (20.56oC) condition average propagules of Phytophthora spp. was increased in the month of August-1 Bargaon plot D i.e. 43.6cfu/g of soil and lowest propagules was found in month of May-2 Goregaon plot C which was 3.9cfu/g of soil. Present findings suggest that, relative humidity, soil moisture; soil pH and soil EC and rainfall were significantly correlates with population dynamics of Phytophthora spp., while air temperature was found inversely proportional.