Screening Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Germplasm against Foot and Stem Rot Caused by Phytophthora parasitica var. sabdariffae

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), a fibre crop of the genus Hibiscus (family Malvaceae), is also commonly referred to as Deccan hemp or Java jute. Owing to its multipurpose applications and the environmentally sustainable nature of its cellulose, kenaf has gained prominence in both commercial and subsistence agriculture. Fungal diseases pose significant threats to fibre crops, often leading to substantial reductions in fibre yield as disease severity increases. Among these, foot and stem rot is a particularly destructive disease affecting kenaf, caused by the oomycete fungus *Phytophthora parasitica* var. *sabdariffae*. The presence of this pathogen can severely compromise plant health and fibre production, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to protect kenaf cultivation.Field trials were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Amadalavalasa for three consecutive years during Kharif 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 to intensive evaluation of the kenaf entries against foot and stem rot incited by Phytophthora parasitica var. sabdariffae in kenaf. Eleven entries of Mesta germplasm were tested for disease incidence under sick plot conditions with two checks. Of the different entries, KIN 215 (12.7%), KIN 214 (15.7%) and KIN 213 (17.0%) showed moderately susceptible (MS) reaction to disease. The disease incidence in check entries AMC 108 and HC 583 were 46.7% and 49.8%, respectively with highly susceptible reaction (HS).