Seed-Borne Alternaria helianthi Leaf Blight in Sunflower

Abstract

Sunflower leaf blight and seed-borne nature caused by Alternaria helianthi is a major disease of Tamil Nadu. When the infection was severe, yield loss will go up to 80–85%. Of late, the disease has become endemic and severe in sunflower belts of Tamil Nadu with variation in the intensity. The management of this disease by cultural methods and by using toxic chemicals has reduced the biodiversity of soil microbes which results in resistance development in pathogen. Hence the current investigation aims for eco-friendly management strategies.