Stem Rot of Jute: A Serious Threat to Jute Production in North-East India

Stem rot is one of the most devastating diseases of jute caused by M. phaseolina, which is a
widespread soil, seed, air borne, and broad host pathogens. The infection may occur at any stage
from germination to maturity producing a copious number of sclerotia which blocks the xylem
vessels and result in vascular wilting. This research review incorporates comprehensive
information such as the biology of pathogen, pathogenicity, epidemiology, and disease
management. This information is prerequisite to design and formulate research program to
devise an effective strategy to control stem rot. Latest advancement and research in different
avenues of management such as; modified cultural practices, fungicide application, biocontrol
and genomic improvement have also been well dealt with in this article. The use of pathogen-
free seed in combination with plant-to-plant distance and alteration in the date of sowing can
minimize the spread of infection. Moreover, recent agricultural practices like crop monitoring
with surveillance programs can help early and precise detection, and economic management of
this disease. Substitution of traditional fungicides with new molecules and use of potential
biological agents can be very decisive controlling stems rot and in addition mitigation of
environmental pollution. However, the acclimatizing nature of the pathogen, scarcity of jute
varieties resistant to stem rot, non-disclosure of target genes of resistance required in molecular
breeding programs and transgenic technology are a few crucial challenges that are detrimental in
the exploration of the more effective management system. Holistic and supportive efforts of
stakeholders, and research institutions involved in the betterment of jute can be helping hands to
deal with challenges as M. phaseolina infects both Indian cultivated species of jute viz.,
Corchorus olitorius L. and Corchorus capsularis L. which account for a 35-40% reduction in
yield. The role of awareness programs and participatory approaches of jute growers will be an
added endeavor to root out stem rot disease and cash in on jute cultivation.