Incidence of foot rot disease of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Kodagu District of Karnataka

Foot rot disease commonly known as quick wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the major limiting factors in production and productivity of black pepper in Karnataka, India. Roving surveys were conducted during 2014–15 to assess the incidence of foot rot disease in Kodagu district covering the three taluks viz., Virajpet, Madikeri and Somwarpet. In each taluk a 4–5 villages covering 250 vines in each village were examined. The maximum disease incidence was observed in Virajpet taluk (16.8%) followed by Madikeri (12.88%) and least incidence was observed in Somwarpet taluk (9.92%). The average foot rot disease incidence of black pepper in Kodagu District was found to be 13.2 per cent during the year 2014–15.