ASSESSMENT OF FUNGAL PATHOGENS OF CAPSICUM IN NASHIK DISTRICT

Production and productivity of Capsicum is highly threatened by different diseases in Nashik District. However, the relative importance of each disease across locations has not been assessed and well profiled. To determine the occurrence, distribution and the status of Capsicum diseases in the region, survey was carried out in Nashik districts in different seasons. Economic losses caused by the disease are mainly attributed to lower fruit quality and marketability. Although infected fruits are not toxic to humans or animals, severely affected fruits showing blemishes are generally considered unfit for human consumption. Including Maharashtra management of the disease under the prevailing farming systems in India has become a present need of Capsicum growers. Results indicated that major fungal diseases of capcicum are caused by Pythium aphanidermatum , Phytophthora spp , Cercospora capsici , Alternaria solani, Colletotrichum capsici Phytophthora spp., Erysiphe cichoracearum , Leveillula taurica, Alternaria solani , Fusarium oxysporum and Phaeoramularia capsicicola. The post-harvest rots are caused by Aspergillus terreus, A. candidus, A. niger, Fusarium moniliforme, F. sporotrichioides, Paecilomyces variotii and Penicillium corylophilum (Bose et.al.,2002; Gupta and Paul,2002; Chandha,2003; Gupta and Thind,2006). The current study indicated that a complex of diseases exists in Capsicum and the occurrence across districts is highly variable despite introduction and promotion of different management practices. Therefore holistic and cumulative integrated approach is required to manage the complex diseases in the region