Abstract

ISOLATION OF FUNGAL SPECIES FROM INFECTED CHILLI FRUIT AND THEIR IDENTIFICATION

Alankrita Dashora* and Kanika Sharma

ABSTRACT

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) also called red pepper is one of the most important commercial crops of India. Chillies are used throughout the world as a spice and also in the making of beverages and medicines. Major loss in chilli production is due to diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. In the present study infected chilly fruit was used for isolation of fungal strains responsible for various diseases causing damage to the crop, which further results in its low yield and productivity. In the present study the growth of chilli pathogenic fungus on different nutrient media viz. potato dextrose agar, acidified PDA having pH 5, Vegetable 8 Juice agar media, oat meal agar and water agar was studied. Around 25 fungal species were isolated
amongst which 10 repetitive samples were sent to IARI, New Delhi, India for their identification upto species level. Pathogenicity test was also done following Koch’s postulate. The aim of the present study is to isolate, purify and identify the fungi that are responsible for pathogenesis in chilly so that they can be studied for their control measures.

Keywords: Capsicum annum, Potato dextrose agar, Acidified PDA, Vegetable 8 Juice agar media, Oat meal agar and Water agar, Fungus.