​A Non-chemical Approach to the Management of Root Rot Disease Complex of Tomato Concomitantly Caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

Background: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop not only for its economic importance but also for its nutritional value. It remained prone to various diseases and amongst them, root rot disease complex caused by concomitant occurrence of R. solani and M. javanica has been key problem in Haryana resultantly reduces yield and production to great extent. Methods: Present study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the effect of organic amendments and biocontrol agents on root rot disease complex in tomato cv. Hisar Arun (Selection 7). Tomato seeds were sown @ 10 seeds/pot filled with sterilized sandy loam soil having 1000 mg/kg soil (Rhizoctonia solani inoculum level) and 1000 J2/kg soil (M. javanica inoculum level). Result: The minimum mortality of 33.3 and 36.6 per cent was observed when the soils were incorporated with mustard cake @ 2g/kg soil followed by cotton cake @ 2g/kg soil in comparison to total mortality of 63.3 per cent in control pots and the soil application of mustard cake protected 47.4 per cent plants from mortality. The application of Glomus mosseae (VAM) at 200, 150, 100 sporocarps/kg soil managed disease to the extent of 36.8% 21.0% and 10.4% respectively. Incorporation of T. harzianum@ 5g/kg soil and 10g/kg soil managed the disease to the extent of 21% and 42% respectively. The minimum mortality of 33.3% was recorded when seeds were dressed with Carbendazim 50WP whereas 36.6 per cent with Carboxin 37.5WP + Thiram 37.5WP in comparison to 63.3 per cent in control pots. Systemic approach to manage the root-rot disease complex with the help of organic amendments, bioagents and fungicides can prevent the losses caused to the crop.