Diversity of fungal isolates associated with early blight disease of tomato from mid Himalayan region of India

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), is an important horticulture crop supporting rural economy of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Tomato crops in this geographical region are highly susceptible to plant pathogens resulting in significant loss of productivity and yield. In this study, we have determined the prevalence and causative pathogens of early blight disease affecting tomato crops in 18 geographical sites of district Sirmaur. On the basis of colony characteristics, microscopic features and ITS region sequence-based phylogenetic analysis, blight disease-associated isolates exhibited close resemblance to Alternaria alternata and other related species. These findings necessitates an integrated management strategy for effective pathogen control towards minimising the crop losses.

Keywords:

• Alternaria
• early blight disease
• conidia
• phylogenetic analysis
• tomato

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, Eternal University, Baru Sahib for providing necessary infrastructural and research facilities to carry out the experimental work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).