• Stunted, the older leaves droop and curve downward, and the plants frequently wilt and die.
• vascular tissue of a diseased plant is dark brown in color
• Fruit infection occasionally occurs and can be detected by the vascular tissue discoloration within the fruit.

Identification of pathogen:

Fungus:

• Mycelium-septate, hyaline at first becoming cream coloured with age
• Microconidia- one celled, hyaline, ovoid to ellipsoid

Favourable condition:

• Alternating low and high soil temperature and high humidity
• Opt. temperature- 28°C
• Other favorable factors- light sandy soil, low soil moisture and pH

Spread and survival:

• Soil borne and seed borne
• Soil-survive as chlamydospores or as saprophytically growing mycelium in infected crop debris for more than 10 yrs
• Spread by seedlings raised in infected soil
• Wind borne spores, surface water and agricultural implements- field to field spread

• Remove infected plant debris an destroy
• Seed treatment- carbendazim 2g/kg

Content validator:
Dr. M. Deivamani, Assistant Professor, Horticulture Research Station, Yercaud-636602.

Source of Images:
https://ucanr.edu/repository/view.cfm?article=83739%20&groupid=9