Spatial Distribution and Disease Incidence of Guava Wilt Village Survey Across Prayagraj and Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A comprehensive roving survey was conducted in the Prayagraj and Kaushambi districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, both prominent guava-producing regions. The survey, which included 30 villages, revealed widespread guava wilt with incidence rates ranging from 19.04% to 37.93%, averaging 30.19% across the region. Three forms of wilt these are quick, slow, and partial were identified. Kaushambi district had a higher incidence rate (31.56%) compared to Prayagraj district (28.82%). Indarapur village in Kaushambi recorded the highest wilt incidence (37.93%). The survey also found that 66.67% of farmers lacked formal training in guava cultivation, contributing to poor disease management. Guava wilt was most prevalent in older orchards (10+ years) and primarily affected the Allahabad Safeda variety, which had the highest wilt incidence (33.64%). In contrast, the Pant Prabhat variety exhibited the lowest wilt incidence (22.95%). The causal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. psidii, was isolated from diseased plants. Three fungal isolates displayed variations in colony morphology, growth, and sporulation. Microconidia were non-septate and kidney-shaped, while macroconidia were thin- walled and typically 2-3 septate. Two isolates also produced chlamydospores. This study highlights the need for enhanced farmer training and the potential for cultivating wilt-tolerant varieties to mitigate the spread of the disease in the region.