Detection of Sclerotinia rot of basil, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum for the first time in Bihar, India

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an important aromatic and medicinal plant and is extensively cultivated for essential oil production. During the growing season of 2021–22, Sclerotinia stem rot has consistently been observed on basil at the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India. Cottony, white mycelium and large, black sclerotia were observed on brown lesions on the stems and leaves of infected plants. The causal organism was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum based on its morphological and molecular characterization.