Survey of taphrina leaf blotch of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) caused by Taphrina maculans butler, under South Gujarat, India

Field survey was carried out during 2013–14 and 2014–15 in three major turmeric growing districts of South Gujarat viz.; Navsari, Surat and Tapi to study seriousness of disease. The leaf blotch was found in severe proportion in both the popular varieties viz., Sugandham and Local in Navsari, Surat and Tapi districts of South Gujarat. Navsari district was found more prone to leaf blotch of turmeric as compared to the other districts surveyed. Losses due to the leaf blotch were estimated up to 36.95% and 36.36% at Navsari and Tarkani respectively. Due to leaf blotch of turmeric, losses were found in all the growth parameters which ultimately cause 25.18% reduction of rhizome weight.