Alternaria blight: a chronic disease in rapeseed-mustard

Abstract

Alternaria blight disease caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. has been reported from all the continents of the world affects most cruciferous crops and is one among the important diseases of rapeseedmustard causing severe yield losses with no proven source of transferable resistance in any of the hosts. The pathogen is greatly influenced by weather with the highest disease incidence reported in wet seasons and in areas with relatively high rainfall. A. brassicae can affect host species at all stages of growth, including seed. Symptoms of the disease are characterized by formation of spots on leaves, stem and siliquae. Identification of signal molecules for induced resistance, development of bioformulations and disease forecasting module will enable trigger newer strategies for eco-friendly disease management for providing safer Alternaria blight free production of rapeseed-mustard with improved crop health.