Evaluation of potato genotypes against early blight (Alternaria alternata) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Early blight (Alternaria alternata) of the potato is the most destructive disease in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Natural epidemics of early blight are strongly influenced by environmental conditions, even though severe disease appears every year in northern India. Twenty-eight genotypes were used in this study to differentiate between early blight resistance and susceptible genotypes selected to represent a range of reactions when screened field conditions. Out of twenty-eight genotypes/varieties, six genotypes viz., CP-3021, 3153, Atlantic, Chip-3, Jx-161 and MS/78-62 showed a resistant reaction. While thirteen genotypes were moderately resistant. However, six genotypes were susceptible while three genotypes were highly susceptible. Resistant varieties can be the simplest, effective and economical method of plant disease control. The use of resistant varieties cannot only ensure protection against diseases but also save the time, energy and money spent on other control methods.