Author(s): AM Deshmukh, VS Phalke and BT Pawar

Abstract: Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, poses a significant threat to banana cultivation globally. This study aims to explore how soil physicochemical parameters, particularly pH and water holding capacity (WHC), influence the susceptibility of banana plantations to this pathogen. A total of 68 composite soil samples were collected from three major banana-growing tehsils in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, India. The results demonstrated considerable variability in pH (ranging from 5.7 to 8.3) and WHC (from 35.45% to 52.40%) across the sampled sites. Soils exhibiting high WHC and near-neutral pH (such as CH07, BH05, and PC07) were linked to more favorable conditions for plant growth and lower incidences of wilt. Conversely, sites characterized by high alkalinity or low WHC (like BH10, PC10, and CH09) appeared to create environments that promote pathogen persistence and increase host susceptibility. These findings highlight the crucial role of effective soil management in reducing R. solanacearum infections. By integrating region-specific soil assessments with targeted amendments, it may be possible to enhance the resilience of banana cropping systems. A combination of high WHC and near-neutral pH can help alleviate bacterial symptoms in banana plants, while high alkalinity or low WHC may foster conditions favorable to bacterial proliferation. Implementing soil monitoring and modifying soil properties could serve as effective preventive strategies against bacterial wilt in susceptible areas. Furthermore, the study reinforces emerging research on the interplay between soil health, microbial community complexity, and disease suppression. Overall, profiling soil physicochemical properties can be a valuable tool in integrated disease management strategies aimed at sustaining banana production in wilt-prone agro-ecological zones.

Pages: 43-46 | Views: 363 | Downloads: 128

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