Screening of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus) Varieties for Resistance Against Powdery Mildew by Golovinomyces cichoracearum (DC.) V.P. Heluta
20
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Lokesh Ramachandran
Student
Abstract
A total of 15 bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes, including commercial varieties and hybrids, were evaluated for resistance against powdery mildew caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum (DC.) V.P. Heluta under controlled pot culture conditions at two different locations during the Samba seasons of 2022 and 2023. Disease assessments were conducted at 50, 65, and 80 days after sowing (DAS), and severity was quantified using the Percent Disease Index (PDI). Significant variability in disease response was observed among the genotypes. The varieties ‘Sakthi’ (76.94% PDI), ‘Raadhika Hybrid Okra’ (72.79% PDI), and ‘Farmer’s variety’ (63.35% PDI) exhibited high susceptibility, with high conidial densities and rapid disease progression rates (r-values ranging from 0.0851 to 0.1298). ‘Selvam Hybrid Okra’, ‘Pusa Sawani’, ‘Arka Anamika’ and ‘Parbhani Kranti’ were also classified as susceptible. ‘Akola Bahar’, ‘Arka Abhay’, ‘COBH h 1’ and ‘Traditional variety’ were moderately susceptible, with PDI values ranging between 40.61% and 49.88%. Notably, four genotypes—‘Arka Nikhita’, ‘Kasi Chaman’, ‘Pusa Makhmali’, and ‘Pusa A4’—showed complete resistance, with no visible symptoms recorded in either year. Microscopic examination supported these results, as resistant genotypes exhibited negligible conidial density. The findings demonstrate the potential of resistant genotypes for inclusion in breeding programmes and integrated disease management strategies. Disease progression trends also confirmed the utility of conidial counts and r-values as supportive markers for evaluating powdery mildew resistance under controlled conditions.
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