Identification of diseases occurring on 'Bhut Jolokia'

Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is a natural occurring interspecies hybrid between Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens, extensively grown in North Eastern region of India, predominantly in the states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Bhut Jolokia is vulnerable to several biotic stresses caused by virus, fungus and bacteria. Four fungal diseases on Bhut jolokia, Anthacnose / Fruit rot caused by Colletotrichum capsici, Die- back caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, Stem rot and wilt caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Collar Rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, leaf spot caused by Corynespora cassicola were identified. Bacterial wilt disease caused by R. solanacearum was observed on Bhut jolokia at later stages of crop growth. Four different viruses were identified based on symptomatology, transmission, host range and serological assays. These diseases were identified as Mosaic caused by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Leaf and Stem necrosis disease caused by Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and leaf curl disease caused by Leaf curl virus (LCV).