Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) anthracnose is an important disease, that can adversely affect chilli production, and its development is influenced by prevailing environmental conditions. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall on the severity of anthracnose disease of chilli during the Kharif seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25. Disease severity was recorded at regular intervals in relation to minimum temperature, maximum temperature, average temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. The observations revealed considerable variation in disease severity during the crop season. In 2023–24, disease severity increased from 9.00% on 30 July to a maximum of 36.75% on 28 September. In 2024–25, disease severity increased from 7.25% on 30 July to a maximum of 40.12% on 10 October. The maximum disease severity in both years occurred during a period characterized by moderate average temperature, relatively high relative humidity and appreciable rainfall. Subsequently, disease severity declined with the progressive reduction in temperature during November, December and January. By 14 January, disease severity decreased to 7.50% in 2023–24 and 6.37% in 2024–25. The study indicated that favorable environmental conditions, particularly moderate temperature accompanied by high relative humidity and rainfall, were associated with increased severity of chilli anthracnose. The period from late September to October appeared to be particularly favourable for disease development under the conditions of the present study. These findings may be useful for disease monitoring and timely management of chilli anthracnose.