Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Occurrence and Composition of Fungal Spores in Guava Orchard at Nasik

Shinde H P

doi:10.13189/azb.2020.080319

Abstract

The present study deals with an aeromycological sampling, monitoring and analysis of fungal spore incidence over selected guava orchard in Nasik city. It involved monitoring on occurrence of some important air borne fungal spores, and their changing composition due to fluctuating weather conditions. The study was conducted by using volumetric Tilak air sampler during a period of January 2018 to December 2018; on Guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) fruit plant to trace pathogenic fungal mycoflora associated with the changing climatic conditions; responsible for different diseases. The meteorological parameters like temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and precipitation, in that order of importance, significantly influence the composition of airborne fungal spores. Variations and daily fluctuations in these weather conditions may provide a stimulus to the sporadic outbreaks of certain pathogenic airborne fungal spores that further cause a plant disease. An attempt was made to assess airborne fungal spore distribution patterns in relation to meteorological variables during the period of study. Also, it was observed that, the occurrence of fungal spores was in correlation with the weather changes, field operation, plant growth and disease incidence on the crop. The major diseases caused due to an outbreak of fungal spores on guava orchard were found to be stimulated by moderate precipitation and rapid fluctuations associated with high percentage of humidity.

Highlights

Variations and daily fluctuations in these weather conditions may provide a stimulus to the sporadic outbreaks of certain pathogenic airborne fungal spores that further cause a plant disease
The major diseases caused due to an outbreak of fungal spores on guava orchard were found to be stimulated by moderate precipitation and rapid fluctuations associated with high percentage of humidity
Variation in the weather conditions may provide a stimulus to the sporadic outbreaks of certain pathogenic airborne fungal spores that further cause a plant disease

Summary

Introduction

Variation in the weather conditions may provide a stimulus to the sporadic outbreaks of certain pathogenic airborne fungal spores that further cause a plant disease.The diseases to which a plant may become susceptible is influenced by a local climatic condition of a particular region which is determining its susceptibility and quality that makes the crop commercially profitable. It was observed that, the occurrence of fungal spores was in correlation with the weather changes, field operation, plant growth and disease incidence on the crop.

Results

Conclusion