Status of Gladiolus Diseases and Their Management in India -A Review

Gladiolus cultivation suffers from many diseases. Major fungal pathogens infecting gladiolus are Fusarium oxysportim f.sp. gladioli, Botrytis gladiolorum and Curvularia spp. Bean yellow mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus are the major viruses causing losses in gladiolus cultivation. Various molecular techniques have been used for accurate identification of different viruses. Resistant varieties, cultural, physical, chemicals, botanicals and bioconrrol methods have been developed for disease management. Integrated and novel approaches like transgenic and use of vesicular and arbuscular mycorrhizae are suggested for developing sustainable and cost effective protection methods against important diseases.