Kerala researchers detect fungal disease in jackfruit
- Compared with other fruits, jackfruit is considered relatively free of diseases, but now, researchers have reported the emergence of a new fungal disease in jackfruit.
Highlights of the research
- It is perhaps the first time that fruit rot caused by fungus Athelia rolfsii is being reported in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in India.
- The research warrants immediate attention.
- One disease which is found in immature jackfruit is Rhizopus fruit rot, but it does not affect mature fruit.
- IFSRS has now launched a study on how disease can be managed in jackfruit.
The fungus
- Athelia rolfsii is a soil-borne fungal pathogen with a wide host range.
- It attacks various commercially cultivated crops belonging to different families.
Prelims take away
- Athelia rolfsii
- Jackfruit cultivation in India