Assam's tea industry is facing a significant new threat as a newly identified fungal disease begins to impact tea leaf quality and production.
A dedicated team of scientists from Assam University, Silchar, has discovered a novel disease called leaf necrosis, posing a serious challenge to tea yields in the region.
Led by Professor Piyush Pandey, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and professor in the Department of Microbiology, the research team has spent the last two years studying this new fungal disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae.
This fungus, previously reported in China, has now made its first documented appearance in India. "This marks the first report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae-induced leaf necrosis in India," Prof. Pandey revealed.
The team collected samples from Dibrugarh and Barak Valley districts, discovering that leaf necrosis affects the upper parts of tea leaves, causing them to turn brown and rot.
Historically, these plantations have combated fungal diseases like Corticium-induced black rot. "Our research initially focused on black rot, but we found that the symptoms of leaf necrosis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae are strikingly similar to those of Corticium infections, complicating diagnosis and treatment," Prof. Pandey explained.
The research team further discovered that conventional fungicides are ineffective against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, presenting a significant problem for tea garden owners.
"We have not only identified this disease at the molecular level but also reported its genome sequencing in our publication. Our current focus is on developing a treatment for this disease," Prof. Pandey added.
Lauding the researchers' breakthrough, IB Ubhadia, General Manager of Rosekandy Tea Estate in Cachar, emphasized the importance of this research. "This vital research will help improve the control mechanisms needed to protect tea leaves from this fungal infection," Ubhadia stated.
Discussing the disease, Ubhadia mentioned that the fungicides previously used in the plantations were ineffective against this unknown threat.
"This prompted us to request assistance from the professors at Assam University, leading to the discovery of this new fungus. I want to thank the Vice Chancellor of Assam University, Prof. Rajiv Mohan Pant, for encouraging research that addresses the challenges faced by the tea industry," Ubhadia said.
Experts warn that the rapid spread of this disease could potentially lead to more than a 50% loss in tea production if not effectively controlled.
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