Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Author(s):
Aakash, Sandeep Kansal, Ashwani Kumar, Anil Kumar Saini, Garima and Deepak Kumari

Abstract:
Bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is responsible for causing severe losses in tomato crops around the world. It has been reported that Ralstonia solanacearum may conquer 450+ plant species from 54 different botanical families, with solanaceous crops being its most vulnerable hosts. In the present study, the effect of different temperature, moisture, pH and inoculums load of R. solanacearum to cause bacterial wilt disease under control conditions was undertaken. Epidemiological studies revealed rapid bacterial wilt development at higher temperature levels (30-35 °C). A significant decline in disease progression was noticed at temperature below 30 °C. The rapid bacterial wilt development was found at acidic (pH<6). Decrease in disease progression was seen at higher (pH >7). The moisture level of 90 percent was found ideal for the disease development. The incidence of the disease was greatly reduced under drier soil conditions i.e. 20 to 30 percent of its water holding capacity. The disease severity was found maximum at inoculums level of 10⁸ and 10¹⁰c.f.u/ml. Root injury favours the disease development.