Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Rahul Gadde, Mallikarjun Kenganal, Gururaj S, Yenjerappa ST and Muniswamy S

Abstract:
In North Eastern Karnataka pigeonpea growing regions, Macrophomina phaseolina is one of the devastating plant pathogens that causes dry root rot and stem blight diseases. Studies on the effects of pH, temperature, and relative humidity on the mycelial development of M. phaseolina cultures causing stem blight and dry root rot diseases were carried out under in vitro conditions. The findings showed that the pH range of 6 to 8 is ideal for growth, perpetuation and establishment of M. phaseolina. The pathogen grew best at temperatures between 30 and 35 °C, whereas between 40 and 45 °C, no growth was seen. At 80–100% relative humidity, the largest colony diameter was observed for both the pathogens. The results reveal that the during the weather parameters during the pigeonpea cultivation are favourable for the growth and spread of the disease and strategies should be devised to control the disease through different approaches.