Background: Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is an ecologically and economically important conifer in the temperate forests of North Kashmir. It plays a vital role in maintaining forest ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods. However, needle blight associated with Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen traditionally associated with cereal crops, has recently emerged as a potential threat to deodar seedlings. This study aimed to assess disease incidence and intensity in forest nurseries and identify environmental factors associated with its development. 
 
Methods: Field surveys conducted during 2023 and 2024 at four locations in District Kupwara, North Kashmir, assessed needle blight in Cedrus deodara nurseries. Disease incidence and intensity were recorded to compare disease development across locations and years. The previously characterized Fusarium graminearum isolate CN16 was used to evaluate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on spore production and germination under laboratory conditions, while meteorological factors were evaluated under field conditions. 
 
Result: Mean disease incidence in nurseries was 35.08% during 2023 and declined slightly to 31.58% during 2024. Disease incidence varied significantly among locations and years, whereas disease intensity varied significantly between years but not among locations. Reshwari, a higher-altitude nursery, generally recorded greater disease incidence and intensity. Under laboratory conditions, spore production and germination were highest at 25&deg;C, with 344 spores&rsquo; production and a germination rate of 36.6%. Relative humidity above 90% favoured spore production and germination under the laboratory conditions tested. Correlation and regression analyses indicated associations between meteorological conditions and disease development under field conditions. 
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Epidemiology of Needle Blight Associated with Fusarium graminearum on Cedrus deodara in District Kupwara, North Kashmir, India