Forecasting models for forewarning Anthracnose and web blight of mung bean (Vigna radiata) under Tarai zone of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is attacked by numerous diseases of which anthracnose and web blight are predominant in Tarai Zone of Uttarakhand. Anthracnose and web blight of mung bean are caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Their occurrence and development are highly influenced by weather conditions during the cropping season. Based on epidemiological data recorded at Pantnagar for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), disease predictive models were developed using stepwise multiple regression. The result from the recorded data revealed that rainfall, T(min), rainy days, and morning relative humidity were statistically significant. Whereas, the T(max), evening relative humidity, and bright sunshine hours were statistically non-significant. Significant weather parameters were employed to develop suitable web blight and anthracnose prediction models for commonly grown varieties of mung bean. The prediction models were further validated using the web blight and anthracnose incidence data collected in mung bean varieties in 2021. The root mean square error values varied between 0.0002 – 0.0011, which shows that the models are accurate and acceptable.