Research Team:

1. Dr. Jasmee Patel (PI) - Assistant Professor (Plant Pathology), GUNI-KKIASR
2. Dr. Deepak Sharma (Co-PI) - Assistant Professor (Genetics and Plant Breeding), GUNI-KKIASR
3. Dr. Vipul Baldaniya (Co-PI) - Assistant Professor (Crop Physiology), GUNI-KKIASR

Objectives:

• Survey of early blight and late blight in potato growing belt of selective districts under North Gujarat
• Molecular Characterization of Early blight and Late blight of potato diseases
• Epidemiological studies
• Development of Integrated Disease Management in potato

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vital food crop known for its high productivity and nutritional value, playing a key role in food security worldwide. However, its cultivation is severely threatened by early and late blight diseases, caused by Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans, respectively. These diseases have recently become more aggressive in the semi-arid regions of Gujarat, particularly in North Gujarat, where late blight outbreaks have caused significant crop losses.

This three-year research project, conducted by Ganpat University’s Faculty of Agriculture, focuses on the integrated management of these blights. It involves extensive field surveys across key potato-growing areas, isolation and molecular characterization of pathogens, correlation of disease severity with environmental factors, and the evaluation of both chemical fungicides and eco-friendly biopesticides under field conditions.

The expected outcome includes the development of reliable Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategies tailored for the region, identification of effective control methods, and establishment of a disease forecasting model. These efforts aim to improve disease control efficiency, promote sustainable farming, and reduce economic losses for potato growers in Gujarat.