Prevalence and etiology of okra root rot in low and mid hills of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Incidence of okra root rot disease was recorded in different agro-climatic zones of okra growing areas of Himachal Pradesh. The overall disease incidence of okra root rot in Himachal Pradesh ranged from 11.00 to 55.55 percent during 2021-22 whereas 11.66 to 66.66 percent during 2022-23 with an overall range of 12.50 to 61.05. The maximum root rot incidence was observed in Ghumarwin (Bilaspur district) whereas the minimum incidence was in Padhar (Mandi district) during the period of survey. in vitro studies revealed the presence of three fungal pathogens associated with okra root rot. Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani were retrieved from infected plants. Fusarium solani was found major pathogen frequently associated with okra root rot in all the districts surveyed however, two pathogens F. solani with Rhizoctonia solani or F. solani with F. oxysporum) were also found occurring together.