A Study on Comparative Analysis of Mulberry Disease Severity against Diverse Soil Fertility Conditions in West Bengal, India

Aim: The effect of soil chemical properties on mulberry disease prevalence was studied using recommended and popular S1 mulberry variety (Morus alba L.) under the three districts of West Bengal. A total of five mulberry diseases viz., Myrothecium leaf spot, Bacterial leaf spot, Pseudocercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew and leaf rust were considered due to their maximum prevalence in West Bengal’s climatic conditions. Study Design: A total of 75 soil sampling were done comprising 25 farmers of three districts, viz., Birbhum, Malda and Murshidabad. Methodology: PDI score recorded as per the (H–B) scale cited in the reference. Correlation, regression were analysed using SPSS software. Results: It was observed that all the six soil edaphic factors were negatively correlated with mulberry disease development. It is found that if the level of soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increase up to an optimum level, the disease severity reduced. The highest and lowest PDI (Percent Disease Index) were recorded in Birbhum of Bacterial leaf spot and in Murshidabad of Leaf rust, respectively among all the disease tested. Overall, the highest predicted mulberry disease against soil edaphic factors were found of Myrothecium leaf spot in Birbhum (0.484) followed by lowest of Powdery mildew in Murshidabad (0.191). District wise variations in disease prevalence occurred due to the diverse soil fertility status under the 75 mulberry fields tested in this study. In Birbhum district, Myrothecium leaf spot was found as highest prevalent mulberry disease followed by lowest Pseudocercospora leaf spot. In Malda district, Powdery mildew was found as highest prevalent mulberry disease followed by lowest Leaf rust whereas, in Murshidabad district, Pseudocercospora leaf spot was found as highest prevalent mulberry disease followed by lowest Powdery mildew. Conclusion: Disease prevalence and PDI in mulberry are both directly and indirectly impacted by soil edaphic factors. Reducing disease incidence, enhancing plant resilience, and maintaining sericulture yield all depend on maintaining ideal soil conditions.