Guava nurseries: prevalence of root-knot nematode and fungal pathogens in Haryana

Guava is one of the most important fruit crops grown in Haryana. Its orchards are affected by various pathogens. Among them, plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) and fungi play a major role in causing guava decline. An extensive survey of guava nurseries was carried out to determine the incidence of guava, decline in four districts of Haryana viz., Jind, Hisar, Bhiwani, and Sirsa. In survey conducted, root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita was the major PPN associated with guava decline. Furthermore, fungus, Fusarium oxysporum has also been associated with guava decline symptoms in guava nurseries. During 2022-24, 80 soil and root samples were collected, 25 were infested with M. incognita alone with a 31.2 % frequency of occurrence. Apart from this, 39 samples were found infested with root-knot nematode and fungi, with a disease incidence of 48.7 %. Among all the districts, the maximum incidence was found in Sirsa district (40%) followed by Hisar (35%), Bhiwani (30%), and Jind (20%). Based on the survey results, it is clear that the primary cause of guava declines and disease incidence is the association of M. incognita and F. oxysporum.