ASSESSING FARMERS’ PRACTICES AND DISEASE OCCURRENCE IN PIGEONPEA CROPS IN NAGALAND, INDIA

Abstract

A roving survey was conducted on pigeonpea growing areas of Nagaland state during the Kharif season of 2023-24 and 2024-2025 to ascertain the various diseases prevalence. The survey was conducted in 15 locations across 8 pigeonpea growing districts of Nagaland. The pooled mean disease intensity was observed to vary from 0-2.15% for Fusarium wilt (FW), 1-14.9% for Phytophthora stem blight (PSB), 0-10.8% Macrophomina stem blight (MSB), 3-63% for Alternaria leaf spot (ALS), and 1-22.15% for Collar rot (CR). MSB was observed in 2 locations (Medziphema and Pangtong) which is reported for the first time, and it ranged from 0-10.8% disease incidence. Survey indicated that ALS, MSB and collar rot incidence was observed to be highest in Medziphema under Chumoukedima district for both the years, whereas PSB was observed to be highest in Pangtong village under Wokha district during kharif season 2024-2025. The weather parameters like rainfall, humidity and suitable temperature must have been crucial for disease incidence in these areas. Therefore, different management strategies are necessary to curb the diseases in this region.