Reaction of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Genotypes against Rhizoctonia solani Inciting Root Rot Disease

Okra or lady’s finger [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is known as “Bhindi” in Hindi, is one of the most important summer vegetables of Rajasthan as well as India and belongs to the family Malvaceae. This crop suffers harshly from the vagary of diseases caused by fungi and important one is root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which is an important constraint to the crop and causes significant economic losses and fungicides are the major tool to overcome the disease incidence. As per environment and health issues and demand of organically produced vegetables, it is a major concerned to control it by eco-friendly approaches. Therefore, developing a resistance variety to disease, provides inexpensive, durable and effective means of plant disease control. The current study aimed to find the resistant germplasm against this dreaded disease through screening under artificial inoculation conditions. Among screened 30 genotypes/varieties for two consecutive years, the root rot incidence was recorded from 16.23 per cent to 60.45 per cent and it was lowest (16.23%) in the variety Red Ghana while it was maximum in Pusa Bhindi-5 (60.45%). None of the genotypes/varieties was found immune and highly resistant. However, one variety was found resistant (Red Ghana) while 14 were moderately resistant (Azad Kranti, Kashi Pragati, Kashi Kranti, Arka Anamika, Arka Anmol, Co-1, Parbhani Kranti, Hisar Unnat, Kashi Satdhari, Kashi Chaman (VRO-19), VROH-12, D-108, Bhanu Priya and Kashi Mohini (VRO-3). Conclusively, as Red Ghana variety showed resistant reaction to the disease, it can be included in cultivation with other managing practices and in further genetic improvement programs.