New Report of Cercospora canescens Isolates from Coastal Regions of Odisha, India causing Cercospora Leaf Spot (CLS) Disease in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Background: Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is one of the major diseases causing a major loss in production of mung bean of up to 60%. Although it is cultivated all round the world, its major contribution is attributed to the Asian continent especially the countries of Indian subcontinents which accounts for about 90% of the world’s mungbean production. Due to its high nutritional content, mung bean is a major contributor to the Nation’s economy. The present study was to isolate and characterize the new isolates of Cercospora canescens collected from coastal belts of Odisha, India. Methods: Surveys were conducted in the mung bean growing fields of Bhubaneswar (20.26°N, 85.8°E) and Berhampur (19.36°N, 84.77°E), coastal regions of Odisha during 2018-20. New Cercospora canescens isolates were collected and characterised through morphological, biochemical and molecular basis. Result: New Cercospora isolates were characterized on the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis to understand the gravity of the disease. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by artificial inoculation to identify the resistant and susceptible mung bean genotypes. On the basis of molecular analysis (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region), there was a difference between the two isolates and forming different clades. These isolates were sequenced having the NCBI Acc. No. MZ475049 and MZ475050. Both isolates are different from each other because of transitional substitution of thymine and cytosine. The findings will be a complementary contribution for conservation and better management strategies of CLS disease in mung bean.