Researchers at the Integrated Farming Systems Research Station (IFSRS) Kerala have reported the emergence of a new fungal disease in jackfruit.
- It is perhaps the first time that fruit rot caused by the fungus Athelia rolfsii is being reported in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in India, according to A. Sajeena, Assistant Professor at the IFSRS.
- A soil-borne fungal pathogen, Athelia rolfsii is a major threat to several crops and, hence, the new development warrants immediate attention.
- Athelia rolfsii is a soil-borne fungal pathogen with a wide host range which attacks various commercially cultivated crops belonging to different families.
- But this is the first time it is being reported in jackfruit in the country.
- One disease which is found in immature jackfruit is the Rhizopus fruit rot, but it does not affect mature fruit.
