Assessment of slow blighting and development of alterneria blight in different genotypes of Bael

This study explores the prevalence and severity of the disease across different genotypes of Beal and identifies resistant germplasm for breeding cultivars with enhanced resistance. Twenty genotypes were assessed for disease severity using a 0–6 rating scale, along with various parameters such as the number and size of spots, sporulation, infection rate, and Area under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). The maximum blight severity was seen in ND/AH-27, ND/AH-26, ND/AH-18, and ND/AH-12, with disease severity in percent value at 29.5, 17.4, 14.02, and 12.00, respectively. The least severity was found in Narendra Bael-4, Narendra Bael-7, and Narendra Bael-5, with disease severity in percent value at 1.65, 1.75, and 1.94, respectively. Apparent infection rates among the genotypes indicate that in the years 2021–22 and 2022–23, the highest infection rate occurred in Pant Sujata in both years, with values of r = 0.421 and 0.401, respectively, and the lowest was recorded in Narendra Bael-4. The lowest AUDPC value was recorded in Pant Aparna, Narendra Bael-4, and Narendra Bael-17, with values of 46.83, 46.97, and 49.46, respectively. In both years, fast blighting was observed in ND/AH-27. The maximum yield was recorded in Narendra Bael-5 (121.66), while the least yield was found in ND/AH-12 (26.65). The maximum blight severity was seen in ND/AH-27, ND/AH-26, ND/AH-18, and ND/AH-12, with disease severity in percent value at 32.15, 17.5, 14.93, and 12.74, respectively, and the least severity was found in Narendra Bael-4, Narendra Bael-7, and ND/AH-9. This research provides significant insights for disease management measures, cultivar development, and increased bael yield. These findings may be helpful in resistant genotype breeding programs against Alternaria blight and quality yield production under high-density plantation.