Screening of sunflower genotypes for resistance against Alternaria helianthi (Hansf.) Tubaki and Nishihara causing leaf blight

Evaluation of one hundred germplasm lines and fifty nine coordinated trial entries of sunflower genotypes against Alternaria helianthi in natural field condition revealed different degrees of resistance in the germplasm. Seventy eight entries of the germplasm showed moderately resistant reaction and four were susceptible to the disease. None of the germplasm entries were immune/resistant to the disease. However, the disease in susceptible check (Morden) was 38.33 per cent. One entry (IHT 832) in coordinated entries trial showed resistant reaction with 5 per cent disease severity. Forty-six entries were moderately susceptible, while 12 entries showed susceptible reaction. None of the entries were immune to the disease. However, the disease in susceptible check (Morden) was 38.33 per cent.