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Status and threat assessment of Viral Diseases in Momordica charantia (L.) cultivation in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Botany, D.D.U. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • 2Department of Botany, D.D.U. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 15, Issue (2), Pages 9-13, May,10 (2026)

Abstract

Momordicacharantia (L.) known commonly as bitter gourd or karela is an important nutrient and medicinal cucurbit growing widely in cultures of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In recent years this crop is becoming more and more susceptible to viral diseases which cause severe yield losses and crop deterioration. The present study was undertaken to assess status and emerging threats of viral infections in bitter gourd in major cultivation zones of Eastern UP through survey carried out in different parts of Gorakhpur (Rajahi, Kauriram), Kushinagar (Duduhi, Padrauna) and Varanasi (Kashi, Jakhini). Surveys were conducted in month of February (winter), June (summer) and November–December (northeast monsoon) in six fields. Major symptomatology included yellowing, mottling, distortion, curling, small size of leaves, vein thickening and vein clearing. The disease incidence ranges from 30–40% and 500–1200 symptom bearing plants per acre. Very high population of vector (Bemisiatabaci and Myzuspersicae) have been recorded. Though molecular diagnosis (PCR/ELISA/EM) has not been carried out, symptomatology and vectorial presence indicated the possibility of infections of Begomoviruses, Potyviruses and Cucumoviruses in bitter gourd as reported in India and abroad. Comparing with earlier reports like Karnataka survey, similar disease pattern has been observed which implies increasing regional importance of viral diseases in M. charantiain need of Molecular characterization, vector surveillance and integrated viral disease management in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

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