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Mulberry is an important food plant for domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). Among several root rot diseases reported in mulberry, black root rot caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae has now emerged as a major disease. The survey was conducted and black root rot incidence was found to be maximum (51.7%) in Coimbatore district and minimum (14.1%) in Erode district. On PDA, L. theobromae covered Petri plate within three days with cottony white fluffy and slowly turned to black colour. All the four isolates were identified by molecular characterisation through PCR with ITS region and sequences were deposited in NCBI database. Among biocontrol agents screened, Trichoderma asperellum TRI 15 and T. virens TRI 37 were found to be inhibitory with 67.7% and 66.6% reduction in mycelial growth. Five mulberry varieties were screened, variety G2 showed resistance and V1 was highly susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot disease of mulberry is a widespread soil-borne disease, which can cause serious damage and huge economic loss to mulberry production in India. Efficient and reliable screening methods are prerequisites to evaluate the disease-resistant germplasm accessions for developing a cultivar's resistance to root rot. A multifactor experiment with four replications was established to evaluate four different inoculation techniques namely, colonized sorghum grains (CSG), colonized toothpick, root dip (RD), and syringe inoculation using pathogenic isolates of three fungal pathogens; Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum (dry root rot) and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (black root rot) against known resistant and susceptible mulberry germplasm accessions under glasshouse conditions. In addition, all the methods of evaluating resistance were compared and the results indicated that CSG and RD methods of inoculation for dry and black root rot were stable in their pathogenic effect. Also, these two methods were easy to screen and more convenient than other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of climatic factors on the development of leaf spot diseases of mulberry (Morus alba L.) in Kashmir, India was studied. It was found that the highest disease incidence and severity of Goshoerami variety was found in tree type (13.86% and 1.98%) followed by dwarf (7.53% and 1.67%) and bush (3.38% and 0.99%), respectively. Due to infection of pathogen, the relative water content and chlorophyll content of leaves were consistently decreased. The order of reduction in relative water content of infected leaves was found as: bush > dwarf > tree, while as the reduction in chlorophyll content: bush > tree > dwarf. It was also found that temperature of 25–30 °C and relative humidity of above 80% favoured the development of the disease. Rapid development of disease was found during the month of June, July and August when average temperature and relative humidity was about 25–30°C and 80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root rot is the most serious disease affecting Indian mulberry in Viet Nam. The objective of the present study was to confirm the identities and pathogenicity of species of Fusarium isolated from the roots of Indian mulberry. Based on pathogenicity assays, F. proliferatum was shown to be the pathogenic agent. The identity of F. proliferatum was confirmed by PCR and phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the ITS region and the TEF1-α gene. Of four semi-solid media (CA, PDA, CDA and YMA) tested, PDA was the most suitable medium for the growth of F. proliferatum. The optimal temperature range for the growth of F. proliferatum was 20–30 °C with a maximum at growth rate at 25 °C. The optimum pH for growth ranged from pH5.0–6.0 with maximum growth at 5.5. This is the first report of F. proliferatum causing root rot of Indian mulberry in Viet Nam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports the characterization of 10 isolates of mulberry black root rot causing fungus, Botryodiplodia theobromae obtained from the infected gardens of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The analysis based on cultural, morphological, pathogenicity and molecular markers (RAPD and SSRs) revealed significant variations among the isolates. Based on the disease reaction on susceptible V-1 variety, isolates were grouped as pathogenic (60%), moderate pathogenic (20%) and non-pathogenic (20%). Among all isolates, RAPDs revealed higher marker polymorphism however, based on Shannon's Information Index (I) SSRs were more informative (0.781) compared to the former (0.444). Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) indicated a total of 5, 5 and 3 molecular markers were found to correlate with disease symptoms. Screening of germplasm using multiple strains of virulent isolates will enhance possibilities of locating diverse resistant genes. Pyramiding of these genes will aid in development of mulberry variety with durable resistance and sustainable sericulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the influence of four mulberry varieties on the development and reproduction of the European red spider mite,Panonychus ulmi(Koch) (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), age-stage two-sex life tables ofP. ulmion Goshoerami, KNG, Chinese white and Rokokuyaso varieties were constructed under ambient laboratory conditions during summer season of the year with an average temperature of 26.22 ± 2.23 °C, relative humidity of 70 ± 5% and photoperiod of 14:10 h (L: D).Panonychus ulmideveloped comparatively better on KNG and Goshoerami varieties than the other two varieties, as indicated by high fecundity (45.05 ± 1.89 and 41.23 ± 1.66 eggs female−1, respectively) and intrinsic rate of increase (0.165 ± 0.01 and 0.168 ± 0.03 day−1, respectively). Lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r) was observed on Chinese white and Rokokuyaso (0.055 ± 0.03 and 0.057 ± 0.10 day−1, respectively). Total development time of immature females was shortest on KNG than on the other varieties. Immature survival was significantly higher on KNG and Goshoerami varieties (76.76 ± 7.59 and 72.96 ± 8.21%, respectively) and was lower on Chinese white and Rokokuyaso (46.76 ± 9.00 and 43.32 ± 8.71%, respectively). Based on all the above parameters, KNG and Goshoerami were found as most suitable varieties forP. ulmithan Chinese white and Rokokuyaso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas campestrispv.moricauses bacterial leaf spot (BLS) of mulberry (Morusspp.) worldwide. Twenty mulberry lines with contrasting response to BLS showed significant (p < 0.01) variation between resistant and susceptible groups for stomata frequency (SF), trichome density (TD), total soluble sugar (TSS) and polyphenol (PP) content, while non-significant for chlorophyll content. Heritability (broad-sense) estimates obtained from the variance component analysis were high (≥0.72) for these traits. The disease severity index values of the lines were significantly negatively correlated with TD (r = −0.66;p < 0.01), TSS (r = −0.73;p < 0.01) and PP (r = −0.61;p < 0.01), while positively correlated with SF (r = 0.65;p < 0.01). The cluster analysis was based on highly significant four variables and DSI values, and classified the lines into two major clusters. The resistant lines that come under cluster-I had high TD, TSS and PP, while those in susceptible category had high SF in cluster-II. These findings suggest that direct selection for SF, TD, TSS and PP will be effective for development of host resistance against BLS in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three indigenous and 24 exotic mulberry accessions belonging to five Morus spp. originated from seven countries distributed in temperate and tropical climates were observed for their response to two major foliar diseases during 2010 and 2011 under temperate conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Leaf spot and powdery mildew severity (Percent Disease Index (PDI)) ranged from 0.00 to 74.90% and 0.00 to 59.85%, respectively. Indigenous and exotic accessions responded similarly to leaf spot, but varied too much to powdery mildew. Irrespective of origin, response in ascending order of PDI for leaf spot is M. multicaulis, M. indica, M. alba, M. kayayama and M. bombycis and for powdery mildew is M. multicaulis, M. kayayama, M. bombycis M. alba and M. indica. Among indigenous accessions, Brentul Kashmir offered highest resistance to both the diseases. Nadigam offered maximum resistance only to leaf spot followed by Himachal local; while Chinarpati followed by Mysore local only for powdery mildew. Among exotic accessions, Ichinose offered maximum resistance to both the diseases followed by Kokusou-21 and Tagowase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulberries are cultivated for different purposes: for feeding larvae of silkworm,Bombyx mori, as fresh and dry food resources, in wood instrument industry, in pharmaceutical industry and as outdoor ornamental trees in Iran. In recent years, twig and branch canker disease symptoms have been noticed on mulberry trees in northwestern parts of Iran.Diplodiaisolates were repeatedly recovered from symptomatic tissues. Based on cultural and morphological features, the isolates were identified asDiplodia seriata. The identity of the isolates was further confirmed using sequence data from internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA and ef-1α gene. A phylogenetic analysis using ITS sequence data clustered the isolates obtained in this study together with knownDiplodia seriataisolates of other woody hosts from GenBank. Inoculation studies carried out on white mulberry twigs using an excised shoot method revealed that the isolates are pathogenic on this host.D. seriatahave been reported from other woody host plant species such asJuglans nigraandVitis viniferain Iran, however, to the best of our knowledge, the occurrence ofD. seriataon mulberry trees is new for Iran. The distribution and reaction of differentMorusspp. toD. seriataremain to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Insect phenoloxidase (EC 1.14.18.1) is the key enzyme in the development and immunity of insects, and its inhibition provides a new target for pest control. TheGlyphodes pyloalisWalker is an important pest of mulberry trees in north of Iran and this pest interferes with the sericulture by feeding on mulberry leaves. In this investigation of alternative insect control agents, we have bioassayed 4-hexylresorcinol againstG. pyloalisunder laboratory conditions. Lethal dose (LD50) for the last instar larvae was estimated as 5.03 g/l after 96 h exposure. Also, the effects of 4-hexylresorcinol concentrations on glutathioneS-transferase and phenoloxidase activities were measured, and the results showed that by increasing the concentration of 4-hexylresorcinol the activity of both enzymes is decreased. The IC50of quercetin, kojic acid and 4-hexylresorcinol on haemolymph phenoloxidase activity, partially purified using gel filtration, was 7.39, 25.98 and 4.35 μM, respectively. The inhibitory potency of 4-hexylresorcinol was 5.03- and 1.5-fold higher than kojic acid and quercetin, respectively. Also, optimal pH for the haemolymph phenoloxidase was 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy mulberry roots were inoculated with second stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and the sequential anatomical changes in the root concurrent with the development of the nematode were studied with light and scanning electron microscopes. Visible anatomical changes occurred four weeks post-inoculation when the pear-shaped adult female nematodes appeared in the tissues. The infected roots lost their circular outline and increased in thickness as traumatic parenchyma was induced in the root. The stele was disorganised with reduced and deformed vascular elements. Many giant cells developed in the traumatic tissue, adjacent to the adult females. Eight weeks after the inoculation, cavities developed around the adult females by tissue disintegration, and the galls became discernable on the roots. The number and size of thegalls increased in the next three weeks, corresponding to the development of more traumatic tissues and the enlargement of the adult female nematodes. The majority of the nematodes were settled towards the gall periphery, with their posterior oriented outwards for the release of their eggs into soil by the disintegration of the outer root layers. But many were settled deep inside the gall tissue without a channel to release their eggs to soil. The inner cavities enlarged in large proportions, sometimes occupying the major volume of the gall. The conductive tissues of the root were totally disorganised or were nonexistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop weather-based forecasting model of bacterial leaf spot (BLS) disease of mulberry caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. mori, weekly disease severity data were recorded for three years on the ruling cultivar S-1. Daily meteorological data viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity, rainfall and number of rainy days were also recorded. It was observed that BLS appeared in April/May and continued up to November with maximum severity in July. The correlation coefficient between disease severity and meteorological parameters revealed that the BLS disease severity has significant positive correlation with minimum temperatures, maximum and minimum relative humidity, rainfall and number of rainy days and negative correlation with maximum temperature. Multiple regressions analysis revealed that average of maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall of preceding seven days and maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity of previous 9–15 days was found to maximally influence BLS disease severity. The contribution of the meteorological factors was found to be highest of minimum temperature (40.65%) followed by maximum temperature (24.20%), maximum relative humidity (16.41%), minimum relative humidity (8.07%), rainfall (5.29%) and number of rainy days (5.38%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown leaf rust (BLR) caused by Peridiopsora mori is one of the major foliar diseases of mulberry (Morus sp.) in the subtropical hills of eastern India. The disease appeared in first week of August and continued up to September with maximum severity in second and third week of September. The disease symptoms appeared at atmospheric temperature (27.00–20.07°C), relative humidity (92.14–82.43%), rainfall (11.20 cm) and rainy days (7) of the preceding week. Disease severity (>50 PDI) was observed at temperature (26.29–19.29°C), relative humidity (94.14–80.14%), rainfall (4.12 cm) and number of rainy days (2–3 days). Apparent rate of infection was found high at temperature (27.00–19.83°C), relative humidity (94.67–85.00%), rainfall (4.6 cm) and rainy days (2) of the preceding week. The correlation coefficient between disease severity and average meteorological factors of the preceding 7 days revealed that BLR disease severity showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. It was also revealed that contribution of maximum and minimum temperature 42.23% and 35.21%, maximum and minimum relative humidity (RH) 11.23% and 10.69% and rainfall and number of rainy days 0.11% and 0.50%, respectively towards development of BLR disease severity. Multiple regression analysis revealed that average of maximum and minimum temperatures and minimum RH of preceding 7 days were found to maximally influence BLR disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease response of 30 mulberry genotypes to Myrothecium leaf spot (Myrothecium roridum) was studied under inoculated condition. It was observed that 10 genotypes were resistant, 16 genotypes moderately resistant and 4 genotypes moderately susceptible to the disease. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and apparent infection rate was found significantly lower in the resistant genotypes. Correlation study revealed that percent disease index (PDI) has significant positive correlation with AUDPC and apparent infection rate. Genetic analysis of disease-resistant traits (PDI and mean AUDPC) revealed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for both PDI and AUDPC, and GCV/PCV ratio was also found high which indicated that disease-resistant traits to Myrothecium leaf spot were not much influenced by environment. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated that the disease-resistant traits are due to additive gene effect thereby indicating the amenability of disease-resistant in the selection process. Hence disease-resistant mulberry genotypes viz. C-763, S-34, Jodhpur, Cyprus, Australian and Hungarian may be used as source of resistance to Myrothecium leaf spot for future breeding programme. Besides, high yielding genotypes viz. Tr-10, C-763 and S-34 may be recommended for commercial exploitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease response of 30 mulberry genotypes to Myrothecium leaf spot (Myrothecium roridum) was studied under inoculated condition. It was observed that 10 genotypes were resistant, 16 genotypes moderately resistant and 4 genotypes moderately susceptible to the disease. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and apparent infection rate was found significantly lower in the resistant genotypes. Correlation study revealed that percent disease index (PDI) has significant positive correlation with AUDPC and apparent infection rate. Genetic analysis of disease-resistant traits (PDI and mean AUDPC) revealed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for both PDI and AUDPC, and GCV/PCV ratio was also found high which indicated that disease-resistant traits to Myrothecium leaf spot were not much influenced by environment. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicated that the disease-resistant traits are due to additive gene effect thereby indicating the amenability of disease-resistant in the selection process. Hence disease-resistant mulberry genotypes viz. C-763, S-34, Jodhpur, Cyprus, Australian and Hungarian may be used as source of resistance to Myrothecium leaf spot for future breeding programme. Besides, high yielding genotypes viz. Tr-10, C-763 and S-34 may be recommended for commercial exploitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disease response and magnitude of genetic variability of 85 mulberry genotypes of different agroclimatic origin was studied against powdery mildew caused by Phyllactinia corylea. It was observed that there was a wide variation of disease severity among the test genotypes. Australian and France originating genotypes were found to be highly resistant to mildew followed by of Thai and Italian origin. Genotype wise, the lowest mildew disease severity was recorded in Thailand [lobed]) followed by M. malticaulis, M. australis and Italian. Genetic analysis of disease severity revealed that the estimate of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were high and that PCV was greater than GCV. High estimate of heritability coupled with high genetic advance showed that the mildew disease resistant trait is governed by an additive gene action. Hence the highly resistant mulberry genotypes identified may be exploited through hybridisation followed by selection under epiphytotic conditions for the improvement of disease resistant traits in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of fruit trees in the months of November 2004 to January 2005, constant occurrence of powdery mildew disease of mulberry caused by Phyllactinia guttata was observed in and adjoining areas of Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh. The symptom of powdery mildew disease of mulberry first appeared in the month of November in the form of small patches of white coloured powdery masses on the abaxial surface of mulberry leaves with corresponding lesions on the opposite surface (adaxial). When the disease progressed, these powdery patches grew in size and finally coalesced to cover the entire abaxial surface of leaves. These white powdery patches finally turn brown to black and leaves become yellow in colour. The development of cleistothecia was observed at the end of January, when conidial production slows down and eventually ceased. Cleistothecia were white at first, then turned orange to reddish brown and finally black when matured. Cleistothecia were usually hypophyllous, scattered, sometimes gregarious and large globose. The asci were numerous, 4-18 per cleistothecium and each ascus had two ascospores. Abnormal developments of cleistotheica were also observed. This is the first report of P. guttata on mulberry plants from Uttar Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. were collected from different mulberry growing districts of Tamil Nadu. Among the five isolates, Coimbatore isolate took five days to cover the entire plate. The same isolate also produced a maximum number of sclerotia on solid and liquid medium when compared to other isolates. These isolates were also analysed through RAPD markers for genetic diversity. A similarity matrix and Jacard's similarity coefficient between isolates indicated that these five isolates showed 66-80% similarity coefficient. The five isolates were separated into two clusters, namely A and B. Again cluster A is divided into two clusters, namely A1 and A2. The cluster A1 contains isolates of Erode and Dindigul. These two exhibit 72.5% similarity coefficient. The cluster A2 represents isolate Coimbatore and Salem isolate which exhibited a similarity coefficient of 80%. Cluster B contains Dharmapuri isolate which differed from other isolates of Erode, Dindigul, Coimbatore and Salem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina were isolated from root rot disease affected mulberry gardens in south India. Pathogenicity trials exhibited that the different isolates (AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09) were found pathogenic to mulberry causing root rot disease. The results revealed that the sprouting percentage was significantly decreased (21.39 - 44.28%), while root rot disease severity was found to be markedly increased (71.0 - 100%). Thus the different isolates viz., AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09 fulfilled the Koch postulates. However, it was evident that the isolates (AP-01 to AP-09, KA-01 to KA-09 and TN-01 to TN-09) have exhibited variation in their virulency and the isolate AP-03 was found to be most virulent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf yield loss in mulberry due to Macrophomina root rot disease was assessed in three different states of south India at field level. The highest leaf yield loss recorded was in V-1 variety (34.74%), whereas the lowest leaf yield loss was in K-2 variety (28.54%). However, the leaf yields losses in other varieties viz., MR-2 (32.90%), S-36 (32.06%), RFS-175 (31.75%) and S-13 (29.0%) recorded were medium. The average leaf yield loss was 31.49% due to root rot disease caused by M. phaseolina in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-six indigenous and 29 exotic mulberry varieties were screened against powdery mildew, Myrothecium leaf spot, Pseudocercospora leaf spot for a period of three years under field conditions. The percent disease index (PDI) was recorded during the peak season of the diseases. Out of 85 germplasm lines studied four-germplasm lines viz. Thailand lobed (0.43), M. multicaulis (2.63), Italian (2.83) and M. australis (4.56) were found highly resistant; nine lines were resistant; 43 lines were moderately resistant and 29 were susceptible to the disease complex. Powdery mildew showed significant positive correlation with Pseudocercospora leaf spot. Highly resistant varieties may be utilized for future disease resistance breeding programme to evolve multiple disease resistant mulberry varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening of 82 mulberry germplasms under field conditions against bacterial leaf spot (BLS) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. mori exhibited considerable variability for BLS resistance ratings amongst the genotypes. Nearly immune reaction to BLS was observed in Rotundiloba followed by MS-8, Kolitha-9, Kolitha-3 and Mandalaya (≤2) indicated the potentiality of these genotypes for their utilization as a source material towards development of mulberry for bacterial leaf spot resistance. In addition to highly significant variation between the genotypes and high coefficient of variation, high heritability was also estimated along with high genetic gain for BLS resistance ratings. The trait is probably under the influence of additive gene effect. Hence, direct selection of genotypes for BLS resistance ratings would be useful in mulberry improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-penetration and infection process of Colletotrichum dematium on mulberry leaf was investigated by scanning electron microscope. Conidia produced on germination appressoria directly or at the end of short germ tubes. Appressoria were formed mostly over cuticle, but sometimes over stomata also. At 72 h post-inoculation, an extensive network of sub-cuticular runner hyphae (RH) was produced. The RH were traceable by the cuticular bulgings on leaf surface. The RH emerged to leaf surface through ruptured cuticle to form secondary infection hyphae (SIH). The SIH re-entered the leaf tissue by sending penetration branches through stomata. Conidia were formed singly on short conidiophores from the RH and SIH, at short intervals. The conidia developed on RH were exposed to leaf surface through ruptured cuticle. Some times conidia were released through stomata also. The RH and SIH had thick knots from which hyphal branches and conidia were developed. Definite acervuli were not developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mulberry (Morus alba L.), various individual strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and synthetic analogs of naturally occurring plant activators have demonstrated their potential to elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) against either brown leaf spot (Cercospora moricola) or leaf rust (Cerotelium fici) diseases. However, these biological and chemical elicitors have not been evaluated so far against multiple infections of both these diseases which commonly occur during the post-rainy season. The present study was therefore aimed to assess the capability of PGPR strains and chemical plant activators, as individual and in integration, in elicitation of ISR against multiple infections. Three PGPR strains, Azotobacter chroococcum strain Azc-3, Bacillus megaterium strain Bm-1 and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Psf-4, and plant activators, acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA), sodium salicylate (NaS) and 4-amino-n-butyric acid (ABA) were selected for the study. Under in vitro tests, all the plant activators up to 2000 ppm concentration exhibited their compatibility with the PGPR strains tested. Upon assaying of elicitors with plant-pathosystem, disease suppression was significantly (p = 0.05) high with integrated application of PGPR strains and plant activators when compared to their individual applications. All the elicitors at individual application varied in their response to multiple infections with the plant age. However, integration of Azc-3 + ASA provided greater suppression to multiple infections of brown leaf spot and leaf rust diseases during the entire growth period of mulberry plants. Thus, this combination of biological and chemical elicitors holds great promise to provide an effective ecofriendly alternative to the toxic chemical fungicides presently recommended for the control of brown leaf spot and leaf rust diseases in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar diseases cause substantial loss in the production and quality of mulberry foliage. Among the various foliar diseases, leaf rust caused by Cerotelium fici constitutes the greatest epidemiological constraint affecting almost all the popular mulberry cultivars cultivated in India. The present study was undertaken to understand the influence of various epidemiological factors on disease development in seven promising mulberry cultivars namely, Local, K2, S13, S34, S36, S54 and MR2 during summer, rainy and winter seasons for three consecutive years. Disease development and its progress were greatly influenced by crop age and weather factors such as maximum and minimum temperature, percentage of relative humidity, cumulative rainfall and total rainy days. Correlation and regression studies indicate that all the variables related to weather factors and crop age were significantly and positively correlated with disease initiation and its development. With increasing crop age, a significant increase in disease severity was recorded in all the mulberry cultivars. The relationship between the crop age and its influence on disease development was better explained by non-linear quadratic function i.e., Y = 0.003x 2 + 0.004x - 1.60 and Y = 0.005x 2 - 0.170x - 2.09 in rainy and winter seasons, respectively by showing coefficient determination (R 2 ) more than 90% in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty one plant species were screened in vitro for their fungitoxic properties against four fungal pathogens viz., P hyllactinia corylea (Powdery mildew) , Peridiopsora mori (Brown rust) and Pseudocercospora mori (Black leaf spot) by slide germination method and Myrothecium roridum (Brown leaf spot) by poisoned food technique. Conidial germination of P. corylea was significantly reduced in 5% (w/v) ethanolic extracts all tested plant. Extract of Cassia tora and Cassia sophera completely inhibited conidial germination of P. corylea . Other effective plant extracts inhibited >?90% germination were Allium sativum (99.56%), Ocimum sanctum (97.80%), Moringa oleifera (97.32%). Conidial germination of Pseudocercospora mori was completely inhibited in extract of A. sativum and D. metel . More than 90% inhibition was observed with extract of Holarrhena antidysentrica (93.10%) , Adhatoda Zeylanica (91.40%) and Calotropis gigentia (90.40%). U rediniospore germination of Peridiopsora mori was significantly reduced in 19 plant extracts. Extract of A. sativum and D. metel completely inhibited urediniospore germination P. mori . Other effective plant extracts, which inhibited >?90% germination were Calotropis gigentia (99.40%), Targets patula (98.96%), Azadirachta indica (98.85%), Mirabilis jalapa (95.50%) and Chromoleana odorata (90.51%). Maximum inhibition (33.33%) of colony growth of M. roridum was observed with amendment of 5% solvent extracts of D. metel followed by A. sativum (25%), Chromoleana odorata (20%) and Eucalyptus citriodora (16.66%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of a new disease, shoot blight was observed afflicting mulberry (Morus spp.) in the southern peninsula of India. The disease initiated as marginal burning or blackening of leaf lamina which later spread across the whole lamina and then to the stems of affected shoots, resulting in the drooping of the entire shoot and complete death of the affected plants. On isolation of the causal organism, a bacterial isolate was found to be associated with the disease symptoms, which was identified as Xanthomonas campestris pv. mori. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of cross sections of stems revealed the presence of rod-shaped bacteria inside xylem vessels of affected plants. This indicates the vascular translocation and colonization of X. campestris pv. mori which resulted in shoot blight in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the integration of Trichoderma pseudokoningii with agrochemicals for disease management and plant development in mulberry. Methodology; Results and discussion.