Screening of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm for resistance to broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) under field conditions

Survey on Soil-borne Fungal Diseases in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Telangana State, India

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice crop widely cultivated in Telangana; however, its production is often affected by several soil-borne fungal diseases. To assess the incidence of these diseases, a roving survey was conducted during Kharif 2025-2026 in five major chilli-growing districts of Telangana, viz., Mahabubabad, Warangal, Khammam, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Karimnagar, covering 13 mandals and 35 villages. Disease incidence was recorded, and infected plant samples were collected for the isolation and identification of the associated fungal pathogens. The survey showed that Fusarium wilt was the most prevalent soil-borne disease in all the districts surveyed. Among the districts, Khammam recorded the highest mean disease incidence (33.71%), followed by Mahabubabad (22.76%), Jayashankar Bhupalpally (19.72%) and Warangal (17.14%), whereas Karimnagar recorded the lowest incidence (3.74%). Collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii was also observed, but at comparatively low levels. The fungal pathogens isolated from diseased plants included Fusarium spp., Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Variation in disease incidence may be associated with the cultivated varieties, soil type, moisture, temperature, irregular rainfall and continuous chilli monocropping. The findings provide current information on the incidence and distribution of soil-borne fungal diseases in Telangana and highlight the importance of regular disease monitoring.

Biocontrol potential of native entomopathogenic fungi against Phyllotreta spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on radish: a study of damage suppression and population dynamics

Assessment of damage potential and sustainable management options in radish, a highly susceptible, short-duration crop that experiences both foliar and root damage, and the potential of native Beauveria bassiana isolates for integration into sustainable pest management programs highlights the potential of native entomopathogenic fungi for integration into sustainable pest management programs.

Dry bulb mite Aceria tulipae (Acariformes: Eriophyidae) on garden garlic (Allium sativum): new insights into distribution and control methods in Ukraine

Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici) Distribution, Epidemiology, and Management Methods in Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important cash crop and dietary staple in Ethiopia, providing essential income for smallholder farmers and vital nutrients. However, pepper production is severely constrained by a devastating soil‐borne fungal disease, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici. It is the fifth most economically important fungal phytopathogen. In Ethiopia, wilt‐causing fungal pathogens were reported to be the leading problem of pepper crops, causing huge yield losses. Warm and humid conditions prevalent in major pepper‐growing regions, such as Amhara, Oromia, and the South, are highly conducive to the disease. The pathogen′s longevity in the soil and ability to spread via infected seeds, seedlings, tools, and irrigation water make it a persistent threat. The pathogen has shown a significant variation in disease severity across and within the major pepper‐growing regions. In the Amhara region, a severity of 70% in Jabi Tehena district and a severity of 15% in Guagusa Shekudad district were documented. Similarly, in the southern region, pepper Fusarium wilt disease incidence reached 91% in Alaba district and 79% in Meskan district. In the Oromia region, incidence was recorded at 50% in Dugda district and 19% in Adami Tullu district. In the Assosa and Kamashi Zones, it reached up to 50%. These observed variations in pepper Fusarium wilt disease severity are attributed to various biophysical factors such as agroecological differences, cropping systems, seed sources, disease management methods, and agronomic practices. These disease‐causing factors highlight the need to develop holistic disease management practices. F. oxysporum management is challenging due to the pathogen′s genetic diversity, limited research activity, and poor extension services. Therefore, this review is aimed at synthesizing the current status, pathogen ecology, epidemiology, and management strategies of pepper Fusarium wilt disease in Ethiopia.

Identification of novel source and inheritance of resistance to bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for sustainable disease management

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a destructive disease severely restricting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. The purpose of this study was to identify novel sources of resistance and explicate the inheritance pattern of bacterial wilt resistance in tomato.  A total of 59 genotypes, including open-pollinated lines, hybrids and breeding accessions, were subjected to screening experiments during two consecutive seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) under controlled net house conditions at Centurion University of Technology and Management and natural epiphytotic field conditions at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research - Central Horticultural Experiment Station , Bhubaneswar, India. Disease severity was evaluated using percent disease index (PDI) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). The open-pollinated cultivar ‘Utkal Kumari (BT-10)’ exhibited consistent high resistance, with significantly lower AUDPC values (<150 vs >1800 in susceptible checks) and high survival rates (90 %) across environments. Among others, tomato cultivars Arka Samrat, Arka Abhed and JK Desi, demonstrated significant resistance while genotypes such as Pusa Ruby and EW815 were consistently highly susceptible. A segregating F₂ population derived from a cross between resistant ‘BT-10’ and susceptible ‘Pusa Ruby’ exhibited continuous variation in disease response. Chi-square analysis revealed significant deviation from a 3:1 Mendelian segregation ratio (χ² = 72.30, P < 0.01), indicating a quantitative mode of inheritance. These findings highlight the potential of Utkal Kumari and allied resistant lines as donors for resistance breeding and emphasize the need to integrate robust phenotypic screening with molecular approaches for durable and strategic bacterial wilt management in tomato.

Botanical Acaricides for Sustainable Management of Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) in Okra: Current Status and Future Perspectives

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, has become an important constraint in okra cultivation due to its ability to multiply rapidly and cause serious damage to foliage. Infestation often results in reduced photosynthetic activity, poor plant vigour, and significant losses in yield and marketable quality, particularly under warm and dry conditions. Continuous reliance on synthetic acaricides has resulted in several challenges, including resistance development, pesticide residues, resurgence of pest populations, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms. These concerns have encouraged researchers to explore environmentally safer alternatives for mite management. This review critically examines published information on plant-derived acaricides and their potential role in managing T. urticae in okra-based production systems. Findings from studies conducted in India and other countries indicate that neem-based products, garlic-chilli extracts, karanja oil, tulsi extracts, and several essential oils possess significant acaricidal, repellent, and growth-regulating properties. Evidence generated from field investigations conducted under the doctoral research programme of Singh at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, indicated that NSKE 5%, azadirachtin 0.03%, and neem oil were among the most promising botanical options for suppressing Tetranychus urticae populations under field conditions. Unlike many conventional acaricides that primarily target a single physiological pathway, botanical products influence mite populations through several complementary mechanisms, including direct toxicity, feeding inhibition, reproductive suppression, interference with growth and development, reduction in fecundity, and oviposition deterrence. Their comparatively lower toxicity to natural enemies enhances their suitability for incorporation into integrated pest management programmes. Although several promising results have been reported, challenges related to formulation standardisation, field persistence, and large-scale adoption still need to be addressed. Future efforts should focus on improving formulation technology, validating performance across diverse agro-climatic conditions, and promoting farmer awareness. Overall, botanical acaricides offer a promising component of sustainable and residue-conscious mite management strategies in okra cultivation.