Survey and incidence analysis of wilt disease in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) From major growing areas of Banaskantha district, North Gujarat

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a drought-tolerant fruit crop native to Iran, is widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions due to its adaptability, high yield and market value. In India, it is grown on approximately 2.58 lakh hectares, producing 30.98 lakh tonnes, with Maharashtra as the leading producer. In Gujarat, major cultivation occurs in Banaskantha and Kutch districts. Wilt disease, primarily caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata and Fusarium oxysporum, poses a serious threat to pomegranate cultivation. To assess its prevalence, a field survey was conducted in 2022 and 2023 across 30 villages in the Lakhani, Tharad and Deodar talukas of Banaskantha district. Wilt symptoms were categorized into yellowing, partial wilting and complete death. Dera village in Lakhani consistently recorded the highest wilt incidence in both years, whereas in villages Gela and Bhimaji Goliya there were no incidence found. A positive correlation between plant age and wilt incidence was observed, with older orchards showing increased susceptibility might be due to start of yielding.