Fungi species causing dieback and wilt diseases in shisham [Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb)] and impact of various fungicides on their management

Abstract

ObjectivesDalbergia sissoo commonly known as ‘shisham’ is a multipurpose tree commonly used to produce high-quality timber wood. However, it is under extinction threat due to several biotic and abiotic factors. The fungi species causing dieback and wilt diseases are poorly studied and efficacy of different fungicides for their management has been rarely tested. Therefore, infected root and shoot samples of shisham trees were collected from different localities in Bahawalpur through this study. MethodsSamples were analyzed for pathological observations which revealed that Fusarium, Alternaria, Curvularia, Dreshcelera, Phoma, Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, Haphlographium, Steganosporium, Ostracoderma, Cephalospora, Penicillium, and Briosia spp were the fungi species infesting the collected samples. Four fungicides were tested to manage/suppress the mycelial growth of identified fungi species. ResultsMycelial growth of Fusarium, Alternaria, Phoma, Lichenocomium, Penicillium and Aspergillus was significantly inhibited by the application of Chlorothalonil and Procymidone fungicides, while Sulphur proved least effective by inhibiting the mycelial growth of Fusarium spp. ConclusionsThe results revealed that various fungi species infest shisham trees and available fungicides can suppress the growth of these fungi species. Therefore, application of fungicides at appropriate time could lower shisham decline in the country. Nevertheless, field studies are required for further recommendations.