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