Incidence of wilt disease in pigeon pea with soil physicochemical properties and weather variability: A comparative study

Abstract

Vascular wilt caused by Fusarium udum is a prominent disease in pigeon pea Cajanus cajan (L.) growing areas showing variable disease incidence. The severity of disease thus varies from place to place due to environmental factors, edaphic conditions as well as geographical areas. This study showed the correlation between disease incidence and edaphic and environmental conditions of various sites in Jhansi, Jalaun and Mahoba district. Soil samples collected from multiple pigeon pea fields exhibiting varying degrees of wilt were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, moisture content, macro and micronutrient levels. The result revealed a strong positive correlation was found between disease incidence and nitrogen and potassium availability while soil moisture also influences pathogen proliferation.