Study on the etiology and ecology of "Fungal Pollu" in pepper

Abstract

Laborartory and field experiments of the " study on the etiology and ecology of fungal pollution' was found to be Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes. The initial symptom of the disease observed on leaves tender shoots and berries was chlorotic specks. Only physiologically active leaves were infected. The well developed leaf spot under dry condition were circular to irregularly circular in shape. Under humid moisture conditions, the leaf spot enlarged quickly and the holonecrotic area was ashy white in colour. Pedicel infection caused the shedding of the spike. Infected tender shoots dried. Rachis infection was noticed rarely. The infected berries became dried, shrivelled, dark in colour and light in weight. Infection on mature berriescaused cracking of the rind.