Distribution of anthracnose disease in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) across non-traditional growing regions of Karnataka

Abstract

Crop intensification and expansion of arecanut plantations in non-traditional areas is facing greater challenges ofinsect pest and diseases, among which anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. is of greater concern. The rovingsurvey was conducted in the major non-traditional arecanut growing districts of Karnataka like Chitradurga, Davanagere and Haveri during the months of October to November, 2023 to assess the disease severity of anthracnose of arecanut. Theplantation in Shravanagere village (Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga) had the maximum disease severity (53.33%) and Hothnallivillage (Shiggaon taluk, Haveri district) had the lowest disease severity (26.03%). Among the various districts surveyed, themaximum disease severity was recorded in Chitradurga district (44.67%) followed by Davanagere district (35.45%). Theleast disease severity was observed in the Haveri district (28.07%).