Published on June 2021 | Plant Pathology

Occurrence of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) in Prayagraj area of Uttar Pradesh, India

Among the pseudo-cereals grown in India, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench is known as Common buckwheat and the most cultivated species in the hilly region of India. This is a short duration, multipurpose and nutritious crop which can withstand changing climatic conditions and fit well in multiple cropping systems. At remote locations of mountain ecosystems, buckwheat is a livelihood driven crop for small and marginal farmers. Buckwheat grains are primarily used for human consumption and also for livestock, poultry and piggery feeds. Rural population of hilly region of India use buckwheat sprouts and as pancakes especially in breakfast however, the recommended intake of buckwheat sprouts are less than 40 g/day. Furthermore, it is also grown as cover crop, green manure crop, fodder crop, fertility restoring crop, honey crop and medicinal plant. The crop is also a good source of Rutin (quercetin-3-rutinosid) and Fagopyrin that are known to be used in preventing various human disorders. In January 2020 occurrence of disease on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) in the research field of SHUATS, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh in India was observed. Black spot symptoms were noted on leaves with an approximate incidence of 50%. The disease symptoms are chlorotic leaf spots caused by Alternaria alternata uniformly distributed and having concentric margins. They are circular, oval or oblong in shape. Each spot has gray centre and brownish margin.