Incidence of Powdery Mildew Disease in Pigeonpea in Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh

摘要

Pigeonpea is the most important inter crop grown with the main crop of Groundnut under rainfed cultivation in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. LRG-30, a long duration variety (150-180 days) with indeterminate flowering, is traditionally popular inthe district, covering 45% of the area. In recent years, LRG-41 covering 35% of the area and the remaining 20% area, the varieties such as Nirmal, BRG-1 (Bangalore Red Gram), PRG-158, PRG-100 (Palem Red gram) etc. are being cultivated by the farmers. July is the most ideal month for sowing pigeonpea in this region. However, the year 2010 was unusual with erratic rainfall and foggy cold mornings and the pigeonpea crop had to be sown early in about 30% of the area. The crop growth was adversely affectedresulting in foliar and flower drop along with empty pods. Hence, a survey was conducted covering ten fields each in Singanamala, Goridindla and Atmakur villages in the areas covered under Accelerated Pulse Production Programme (A3P) to ascertain the main causes of crop failure.