Status of early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani in major potato growing region of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Potato is the most important rabi tuber crop grown in Western Maharashtra. Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani, is one of the major foliar diseases of potato, leading to yield losses ranging from 50% to 70% in India. The disease was prevalent in all the major potato-growing areas of Western Maharashtra surveyed during the 2022-23 and 2023-24, and appeared in moderate form. The highest intensity (42.98%) was recorded in Peth village, Ambegaon tehsil, while the lowest intensity (18.43%) was observed in Pait village, Rajgurunagar tehsil, Pune. The survey also revealed that disease intensity varied, with fields practicing good agricultural practices and consistent fungicide use showing lower disease intensity.