First report of Rhizopus stolonifer causing inflorescence and fruit rot of Rauvolfia serpentina in India

Inflorescence and fruit rot caused by Rhizopus stolonifer has appeared for the first time on Rauvolfia serpentina (sarpgandha) in North Indian plains during July–September, 2003. Disease incidence was very high under high humidity and moderate temperature and posing threat to the commercial cultivation of the crop. The initial disease symptoms appear in the form of water-soaked lesions on the flowers and flower buds which later produce slimy wet rot symptoms leading to premature death and drying of infected parts including the leaves. Pathogenicity of R. stolonifer was established artificially under glasshouse conditions.