ABSTRACT
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is the most important edible oil seed crop in world occupying third place, grown in an area of 2.4 million hect-ares in India with a production and productivity of 1.44 million tonnes and 608 kg/ha. Large-scale cultivation has started with the introduction of high yielding open pollinated varieties. The crop is infected by many fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases with an average yield loss of 25-40%. The fungus Alternaria helianthi produces pale grey-yellow colored cylindrical conidiophores which are straight or curved, geniculate, simple or branched, septate, and bear single conidium. It is widely distributed wherever sunflower grown and is considered as a most destructive one. Avoiding high humidity area and having full sunlight most of the day, and avoiding caterpillar infestation on heads can reduce disease occurrence.
