<I>Rhizoctonia</I> Leaf Spotting and Blight of <I>Rauvolfia serpentina</I> a New Disease from India

Abstract

Leaf spotting and blight of Rauvolfia serpentina (Linn.) Benth ex Kurz by Rhizoctonia solani anamorph of Thanatephorus cucumeris (Frank) Donk is reported for the first time from India. The disease caused premature defoliation during July and August when the rains were frequent and heavy. The pathogen also attacked weeds growing along with Rouvotfia serpentina. Weeding in plantations upto a distance of 45 cm effectively controlled the disease.