Screening of turmeric varieties against leaf blotch disease caused by Taphrina maculans in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Turmeric cultivation is significantly challenged by foliar diseases, particularly leaf blotch caused by Taphrina maculans, which is prevalent in many Indian turmeric-growing regions .This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of 32 turmeric germplasms lines against leaf blotch disease under natural epiphytotic conditions in the AICRP on Spices, Asond block. The results revealed that six varieties, including Pratibha, Roma, Pant Peetab-2, Prabha, Sudharsana, and Suguna, exhibited resistance with disease intensities ranging from 1.50% to 10.00%. Conversely, one variety, RH-5, was susceptible, recorded percent disease intensity of 25.75%, while Waigaon was highly susceptible with a disease intensity of 55.78%. The remaining 22 varieties showed moderate resistance to leaf blotch .These findings highlight the importance of selecting resistant germplasms to reduce the negative impact of leaf blotch on turmeric cultivation, ensuring better crop health and yield.