Symptoms
- Foliar yellowing, die back of aerial stems, occasional tip burn, interveinal chlorosis and flaccidity of leaves are some of the foliar symptoms.
- Foliar yellowing starts after the North-West monsoon (October-November) and reaches its maximum during summer (April-May).
- The root system of the affected vines shows the presence of root knots and root necrosis leading to varying degrees of root degeneration.
- The affected plants dies within 2-5 years.
- This disease is a fungal nematode complex coupled with moisture stress and malnutrition. Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne incognita and Radopholus similis has been established.
- Association of Rhizoctonia sp., Fusarium sp and Diplodia sp with root system of wilt affected black pepper also has been confirmed. Slow wilt incidence is generally noticed in neglected gardens.
Procedure for Observation
Observe 20 standards selected at random from the plot. Look for typical symptom of slow decline. Examine the roots of diseased vines for the presence of root knots or root necrosis.