In vitro and field screening of okra cultivars against Fusarium wilt disease

Abstract

Eleven varieties and thirteen hybrids of okra were screened both in laboratory and field conditions against okra wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV). None of the varieties showed immune-like response (SI) and high level of resistance (HR). However, seven varieties showed intermediate resistance (IR), and three varieties recorded intermediate susceptibility (IS) reaction. The maximum disease index was recorded in Parbhani Kranti (53.57%) followed by Varsha Uphar (53.33%) varieties in comparison to susceptible check Pusa sawani (76.70%). In field trial, artificial sick plot was created. Among the okra varieties, Arka Abhay recorded lowest wilt incidence (25.62%) followed by Aruna (27.78%). Whereas as, susceptible check Pusa Sawani recorded highest wilt incidence of 71.49 per cent. Rest of varieties showed on par disease incidence. The data also revealed that rest of varieties showed moderate disease incidence with on par with each other in comparison to the susceptible variety. However, Supriya hybrid showed moderate susceptible reaction and eight hybrids exhibited susceptible reaction and four hybrids showed the highly susceptible reaction.