Aerobiological Monitoring of Airborne Rust and Smut Pathogens over Sunflower Fields in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra

The present investigation in relation to Rust and Smut spores concentration over the sunflower field (Helianthus annus L.) was carried out for two Kharif season (i.e. 1st season from June 2023 to Sept. 2023 and 2nd season from June 2024 to Sept. 2024).During the period of present investigation incidence of Rust spores (Uredospores) was noted throughout.  Contribution of uredospores was found to be 9.78% and 8.21% in two Kharif season (Table-I).The highest spore catch of uredospores 111902/m3, 88578 / m3 was recorded in the months of July 2023 and June 2024 respectively.Smut spores contributed 18.85 and 5.027 % in two kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 respectively.The maximum concentration of Smut spores 243488 / m3, 39103 / m3 was recorded in month of June 2023 and 2024 respectively. From the above recorded observation it could be concluded that rust disease caused by Puccinia helianthi (Schw.) observed n sporadic form on lower leaves of Sunflower crop. However there was very mild incidence of Rust disease in all the Kharif season during the period of investivation .Similar observations were also made by Tilak and Babu (1982), Tilak and Rao (1987), Jayswal (1993).Smut spores were mainly confirned to dry periods of Kharif season.  However it become very difficult to trace out the exact source of Smut spores in and around the trapping site.             Thus the high frequency of Rust and Smut spores over the Sunflower field was observed and co-related with Rust and Smut disease of Sunflower such studies would bring many results for disease forecasting which ultimately would help in protecting the crop.

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