Status of major foliar diseases of mulberry under temperate climatic conditions of Kashmir, India

Mulberry (Morus species) the sole food of silkworm (Bombyx mori) is prone to several fungal foliar diseases. An extensive survey of two major foliar diseases of mulberry, leaf spot (Phloeospora maculans) and powdery mildew (Phyllactinia corylea) was carried in three districts of Kashmir valley viz. Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora during the year 2020 and 2021. The survey indicates that both the diseases are frequent in all the districts investigated. Overall disease incidence of leaf spot was 36.98 and 31.72 per cent and intensity of 17.76 and 14.52 per cent was observed in two consecutive years, respectively, in all the districts surveyed. The maximum disease incidence of 41.74 per cent and intensity of 23.50 per cent was recorded in district Baramulla and minimum disease incidence of 24.48 per cent and intensity of 10.68 per cent was observed in district Bandipora. In case of powdery mildew, overall disease incidence of 48.69 and 45.30 per cent and intensity of 25.78 and 22.76 per cent was observed during the year 2020 and 2021, respectively. Among the various districts surveyed, disease incidence and intensity based on the mean of two years was the highest in district Baramulla (59.78 and 31.74 %, respectively) and the least in district Bandipora (32.14 and 12.41 %). Survey conducted in three districts of Kashmir valley has indicated that both the diseases are more or less prevalent in all districts surveyed during 2020 and 2021.