Prevalence and Severity of Citrus Decline and Its Management in Orchards of Panauti Municipality, Nepal

Abstract Citrus Decline, a complex and devastating disorder caused by various biotic and abiotic factors has emerged as a significant challenge for citrus cultivation in Nepal. This study on “Prevalence and severity of citrus decline and its management practices in citrus orchards of Panauti municipality” was conducted in Panauti municipality of Kavre district of Nepal during the month of April/May - July/August, 2023 with the combination of survey and research. Survey was conducted with 30 respondents randomly and interviewed with questionnaire to extract data on comprehensive overview of citrus decline and its management practices, whereas research was conducted with 30 different leaves samples for disease isolation along with the determination of pH from the soil samples collected from the study site. The survey findings showed that the total number of 3213 citrus trees under 10 ha of land was done, with 98% of farmers facing citrus decline problem where disease incidence of 41% fungal, 34% parasitic, 5% bacterial, 15% viral and 5% others were observed and pest incidence with 34.48% leaf miner,28.74% fruit fly, 19.54% mites, 17.24% aphids were observed. Similarly in management practices, 86.66% of farmers were use farm yard manure but only 16.66% of them use recommended dose of manure and fertilizers, the training, pruning was performed by only 6.66% of farmers, 85% of farmers were seen intercropping the citrus orchards with pumpkin, cucumber, tomato etc. In the context of research, 30 leaves sample were isolated in different agar media with the positive result of powdery mildew in 20 leaves sample, sooty mold in 28 leaves samples and negative result in all leaves sample isolated suspecting of Citrus canker. Iodine scratch method for rapid detection of citrus greening disease was done and negative result in all leaves samples were obtained. Citrus decline stands as a significant constraint in citrus farming in Nepal, urging prior attention and the implementation of improved management practices to safeguard the sustainability and prosperity of the citrus industry.