Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part Z (2025)

Powdery mildew, caused by Leveillula taurica (Lév.) Arn., is one of the most serious foliar diseases of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), leading to significant yield losses under favorable conditions. A roving survey was conducted across five chilli growing districts of Telangana during Rabi 2024-25 to assess the severity of the disease. Observations were recorded from 45 villages covering different varieties, soil types, and crop stages. Results revealed significant variability across districts. Gadwal recorded the highest mean PDI (66.85%), followed by Khammam (42.56%), Warangal (34.95%), Nalgonda (38.41%), and Suryapet (33.45%). Village level analysis showed that maximum severity (72.0%) occurred in Waddepally, Gadwal district, whereas the lowest severity (19.28%) was recorded in Yepalasingaram, Suryapet district. The overall mean PDI across districts was 44.48%. High coefficients of variation in Nalgonda (36.92%) and Suryapet (27.43%) suggest localized disease outbreaks, influenced by varietal susceptibility and soil-climate interactions.