Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Mohd Naser, Shahid Ahamad, Showkat Ahmad Sheikh, Avinash Pilla and Priya Tandon

Abstract:
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major cereal crop as it is the primary source of both carbohydrates and protein for millions of people in eastern and southern Africa (ESA) grown on approximately 18.9 million hectares, with production of 41.8 million tons in ESA). Common rust (CR) of maize is widely distributed in temperate, subtropical and tropical maize growing regions of the world. Puccinia sorghi is an obligate parasite. The status of the common rust disease of maize was ascertained by undertaking a systemic surveys in major maize growing districts of Jammu viz., Rajouri and Poonch during Kharif-2020 revealed the prevalence of disease in all the surveyed areas with varied level of disease incidence and disease severity ranging from 32.42 to 88.44% and 19.37 to 38.38% respectively. The highest disease incidence and severity was observed in district Poonch. The fungus inciting rust disease was identified as Puccinia sorghi Schw. on the basis of its morphological characteristics. In the earlier stages of disease development, yellowish, round to elongated pustules were seen on the leaves. The pustules then enlarged to cover large area of leaves resulting in premature desiccation. Maximum disease development in the field was observed during Ist fortnight of September, when temperature are moderate and maximum disease severity was recorded at grain filling stage 32.45%.