A New Disease of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) Caused by Drechslera bicolor, Its Pathophysiology, Efficacy of Fungicides and Botanicals

Bell pepper blight was observed on leaves and fruits. Pathogenicity was confirmed on bell pepper plants and fruits of bell pepper, chilli, tomato and brinjal. Initial symptoms on bell pepper plants were appeared on 7th day of inoculation. In diseased fruits incubation period varied in between 6-8 days. In vitro studies revealed that fungus grew and sporulated well on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), 25±2°C temperature, 100% RH, brown light and pH 6.5. Vitavax was found best followed by thiram. Neem leaves inhibited maximum fungal growth followed by Lantana leaves extracts.