Incidence, Distribution, and Species Diversity of Fusarium spp. Causing Wilt in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in the Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop across the Himalayan region of Kashmir, India. The production and productivity of brinjal is threatened by various biotic and abiotic factors. Among them wilt disease, primarily caused by Fusarium species, poses a significant threat since it causes mortality to the range of 20-30 per cent leading to 10-90 per cent yield losses. The disease is highly prevalent in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but till date no exhaustive study has been conducted with regard to variability of the pathogen, its extent and characterization under the temperate ecology of Kashmir Valley.  The present study was conducted to bridge this research gap. A systematic field survey was conducted in four districts namely Baramulla, Anantnag, Srinagar and Budgam across 16 locations to assess the disease incidence and to isolate the causative pathogen. Disease incidence was found to be highest in district Budgam (17.20%) followed by Srinagar (16.16%), whereas the lowest disease incidence was recorded from Anantnag (13.91%). A total of 39 isolates were obtained from wilted brinjal plants, which were grouped into 3 distinct species and were identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics. The isolates were classified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae, F. chlamydosporum, and F. incarnatum. This study provides important insights into the diversity of Fusarium spp. affecting brinjal in Kashmir Valley and underscores the need for integrated disease management strategies. It also highlights the importance of development of resistant varieties targeting Fusarium species and chemical management of brinjal wilt using fungicides that are effective against Fusarium species.