First Report of Stem Rot Disease on Pigeonpea Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary from India

First Report of Stem Rot Disease on Pigeonpea Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary from India

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is one of the most important legume crops in India. During the month of December-January, 2015, a stem rot disease was observed on this crop. Symptoms observed mostly on the distal end of the branches included water soaked lesions in the leaves and rotting of the petioles and stems. The fungus isolated from the affected plant parts was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary on the basis of morphological and cultural characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, the present communication appears to be the first report of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection on pigeonpea from India.