Epidemiological Assessment of Root Rot Disease in Pea Caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. pisiin Relation to Key Weather Variables Under Field Conditions

Abstract The impact of weather parameters on the development of root rot caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi in pea plants can be significant. Root rot is one of the most destructive diseases of pea, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of Rajasthan and India. Field trials were conducted at the Agro Meteorology Observatory, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, during the Rabi seasons 2021–22 and 2022–23 to assess the influence of meteorological factors on root rot incidence. The disease appeared 15 days after sowing and progressively increased, with the highest incidence recorded in March. Maximum disease incidence ranged from 34.60% in 2021–22 to 49.40% in 2022–23. Root rot severity showed a strong positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.500 in 2021–22 and r = 0.541 in 2022–23), while morning and evening relative humidity exhibited negative correlations. The optimal conditions for disease development were temperatures between 29.4°C and 34.2°C and relative humidity below 60%. Multiple regression analysis confirmed maximum temperature as the most influential factor (R² = 0.494 in 2022–23). These findings highlight the critical role of temperature and humidity in disease progression and provide a basis for developing weather-based forecasting models for timely and effective disease management.