Survey on bacterial blight of pomegranate

Fixed plot survey was undertaken for two years during, 2006 and 2007 to assess the incidence and severity of bacterial blight of pomegranate caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae in major pomegranate growing areas of Karnataka and border areas of Andhra Pradesh. Highest average disease incidence of 38.29 percent was observed in the villages of Chitradurga district, followed by Anantapur (36.64) and Koppal district (32.40%). Similarly, highest average disease severity both on leaf (26.33 PDI) and fruit (28.95 PDI) was recorded in Bijapur district. Lowest average disease incidence on fruit was observed in Bijapur district with lowest average disease severity (22.12 PDI) in Koppal district. Among the varieties, Bhagwa was found more susceptible with more disease severity on leaf, stem and fruit. In respect of seasons, mrigbahar was most vulnerable for bacterial blight development while hastbahar was relatively safe with less disease incidence and severity.