Clove Diseases

Seedling wilt

Disease symptom:

• Seedling wilt is observed mainly in nurseries and causes 5 to 40% death of seedlings.
• Leaves of affected seedlings loose natural luster, tend to droop and ultimately die.
• The root system and collar region of the seedling show varying degrees of discolouration and decay.

Survival and spread:

• The fungus is soil-borne and remains in the soil as saprophyte for 2-3 years.
• The secondary spread is aided by wind, rain and irrigation water.

Favourable conditions:

• High day temperature (30-35˚C).
• Low humidity (50-60%).
• Low soil moisture and alkaline soils

Leaf rot:

Disease symptom:

• It is noticed in the nurseries as well as in the main field both at young and mature stages.
• Infection starts as dark spots at the leaf margin and spreads sometimes with no definite pattern.
• Rotting may be in the whole leaf or at the tip resulting in defoliation.

Favourable conditions:

• The fungus survives on diseased twigs and mummified fruits, either on the tree or on the ground.
• The fungul spores are air-borne and are also spread by rain splash and insects. Moderate temperatures and moist weather during bloom favour the disease

Disease symptom:

• Necrotic spots of variable size and shapes are noticed on the leaves.
• Severely affected leaves wither, droop and dry up.
• Twigs are infected as the symptoms extend from the leaves through petioles.
• The affected branches stand without leaves or only with young leaves at tips.
• Flower buds are attacked by spreading infection from the twigs.
• Shedding of flower buds occurs during periods of heavy and continuous rainfall.

Favourable conditions:

• The fungus survives on diseased twigs and mummified fruits, either on the tree or on the ground.
• The fungus spores are air-borne and also spread by rain splash.
• Moderate temperatures and moist weather during bloom favour twig blight.

IPM for Clove

To know the IPM practices for Clove, click here.

Source: NIPHM and Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage