Epidemiological studies of shot -hole of peach caused by Wilsonomyces carpophilus

The shot-hole or Stigmina blight of peach caused by Wilsonomyces carpophilus is a serious fruit and foliar disease in peach growing areas of the Punjab state. Amongst, different temperature ranges tested for maximum spore germination and biomass production, 25 to 30 C proved the most favourable (which is otherwise the most prevalent range of temperature during September) recording the highest disease index of shot-hole on peach under natural conditions. Dextrose (2%) favoured maximum germination of spores. The mean maximum atmospheric temperatures were negatively correlated with the disease development during the critical period from the first week of June to the third week of September having rvalues of -0.234 and -0.674, respectively during 2005 and 2006, while the correlation was positive (0.399 and 0.326, respectively) with the mean minimum temperatures. A positive correlation was observed between per cent disease index, relative humidity, total rainfall as well as leaf age during 2005 and 2006.