A recent study reveals the emergence of Fusarium incarnatum and Fusarium avenaceum affecting tomatoes, brinjals, and chilies.
Researchers have identified two fungal pathogens, Fusarium incarnatum, and Fusarium avenaceum, as the primary culprits behind wilt diseases affecting solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, brinjal, and chili in the Kashmir Valley. This groundbreaking discovery marks the first formal recognition of these species as wilt pathogens for these crops within India, significantly raising alarms for local agriculture.
Previous studies indicated widespread susceptibility of solanaceous crops to various infections, primarily by Fusarium pallidoroseum, leading to devastating yield losses ranging from 45 to 60%. Given the importance of these crops, which include dietary staples like tomatoes and brinjals, safeguarding them from such threats is underscored as urgent.
The research team, comprised of experts from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), undertook thorough investigations from July to August 2020 across several districts, including Pulwama, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag. By focusing on wilting plants, the researchers utilized advanced DNA barcoding techniques to classify and authenticate the pathogens.
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