DOWNY MILDEW OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.) - A 'DREADED SEED TRANSMITTED DISEASE HITHERTO NOT REPORTED FROM INDIA,

Abstract

Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill having both protein and oil, is an
important source of low-eost food. Its oil is at top ranking position in the
world oil production. Soybean is grown to greater or lesser extent in most
parts of the world and occupies more than 62 million h area under cultivation.
The total production of soybean in the world is more than 136 million m ton
(FAO, 1995). The importance of soybean in India has become overwhelming
in view of the shortage of edible oils in the country. In late seventies, the
Government of India decided to import soybean seed on large scale for sowing
purposes to boost up oil production in the country