Distribution and management of chilli leaf curl disease in the agro-Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir

During the 2024–25 crop growing season, a comprehensive field investigation was carried out to assess the prevalence of chilli leaf curl viral disease across the districts of Jammu, Udhampur and Samba. The study confirmed that the virus was widespread, being detected in all surveyed locations. Disease incidence rates showed significant variation, ranging from 14.94% to 30.88%, with an average of 22.35%. The highest level of infection was recorded in the Ferna area of Udhampur district, while the Sanoora locality in Samba district exhibited the lowest incidence. Alongside disease monitoring, the research evaluated the effectiveness of different management strategies, including both chemical and botanical interventions. Findings revealed that the combined application of imidacloprid with neem oil offered the most consistent and reliable control under field conditions, thereby highlighting a promising integrated management option for farmers in the region. Although constraints such as fluctuating vector populations and variable environmental conditions posed challenges in standardizing results across all locations, the study nevertheless made significant contributions by providing region-specific data on disease prevalence and demonstrating the potential of integrated chemical-botanical management practices.