Yogesh Urdukhe and Umesh Mogle

The Alternaria genus, comprising diverse fungal species, poses a substantial threat to global agricultural crops. Among these, Alternaria brassicicola significantly impacts broccoli cultivation, necessitating effective management. This deuteromycete fungus, lacking a known sexual stage, relies on asexual conidia production, contributing to its distinctive appearance. ALS consequences extend beyond direct crop damage, affecting seeds, seedlings, leaves, and heads. Understanding ALS population dynamics is crucial for targeted management, especially in organic farming. A comprehensive survey was conducted to gather information on the management of Alternaria brassicicola, the pathogen causing leaf spot in broccoli. The survey comprised seven sections, addressing demographic information, understanding of Alternaria brassicicola, botanical management, chemical management, biological management, integrated management approaches, and future strategies. The target participants included individuals involved in agriculture and horticulture, such as farmers/growers, researchers/scientists, agronomists, students, and others with varying years of experience in broccoli cultivation. Participants expressed moderate familiarity with Alternaria brassicicola, and the survey delved into their experiences, challenges, and perspectives related to management strategies. Results highlighted the utilization and effectiveness of botanical, chemical, and biological methods, with a notable acceptance of an integrated approach.
The findings underscore the prevalent use of chemical and biological methods, with a growing recognition of the potential of integrated approaches. Future research priorities should focus on understanding the pathogen's genetics, advancing biological controls, and developing disease-resistant cultivars, emphasizing a collaborative and holistic approach to effectively address Alternaria brassicicola in broccoli cultivation.
 

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i6c.15186

Pages: 219-227  |  49 Views  22 Downloads