Jute diplodia

Jute diplodia is a destructive fungal disease caused by Diplodia corchori. This pathogen specifically attacks the stems of jute plants, leading to a condition commonly referred to as stem rot or blight, which significantly impacts the fiber yield of the crop.

The disease primarily targets jute species such as Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius. It is a major concern in tropical regions where jute is cultivated, as the environmental conditions frequently align with the pathogen's requirements for rapid colonization and development.

Symptoms of the infection typically appear as dark, water-soaked lesions on the stem, which eventually turn brown or black as the tissue dies. As the fungus colonizes the internal tissues, the plant's vascular system becomes blocked, causing wilting of the foliage, stunted growth, and in severe cases, the complete snapping of the stem due to tissue decay.

The proliferation of Diplodia corchori is highly dependent on high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The fungus is soil-borne and can persist in crop residues for several seasons, making field sanitation a critical factor in managing the initial inoculum pressure in subsequent planting cycles.

Economic damage is caused by the deterioration of the bast fibers, which lose their tensile strength and market value.

• Implement crop rotation cycles, avoiding jute for at least 3 years.
• Remove and destroy infected plant debris to minimize the soil inoculum.
• Treat seeds with approved fungicides before planting.
• Maintain proper field drainage to prevent excess moisture around the stems.