Reaction of colocasia genotypes against leaf blight under Meghalaya condition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-2004 at the horticulture fann, leAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to study the reaction ofdifferent genotypes of colocasia (Colocasia esculenta) against leaf blight (Phytophthora colocasiae). The disease appeared during middle of July and continued till September" Among the genotypes tested 4BCC 1' recorded low per cent disease severity, whereas maximum per cent disease severity was in ~BK Col 2'. On the basis of coefficient of infection value 'ML 2', 'Nayabunglow' and 'Bee l' were found highly resistant to leaf blight of colocasia. Weather parameters like rainfall and relative humidity' showed positive and significant correlation with disease severity. The maximum disease incidence was recorded in mid August and it receded gradually from September where newly emerging leaves were almost free from disease. On overall basis the genotypes 'ML 1' and 'ML 2' were found superior in terms of yield and disease

resistance.