Identification of Etiological Agent of Telya Disease of Pomegranate, its Pathogenesis and Control using Integrated Management Approach

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a financially important plant of the tropical and subtropical locales of the world because of its eatable organic products, drugs and decorative use. The telya infection of pomegranate is turning into a concerning issue in major pomegranate developing regions in India. As the causal organism is airborne, the regular available resources for controlling this illness are not enough. The investigations were directed on overview, morphological and social characteristics of the microorganism, in vitro and in vivo assessment of fungicides and bioagents. The study was conducted in significant pomegranate developing districts of northern Nasik, Maharashtra. Pure culture of the pathogen was obtained by isolation and further pathogenicity was demonstrated. The conidia were hyaline, single-celled, elongated and sickle-shaped. The identification of the parasite was affirmed under the genus Colletotrichum. The various fungicides (Benomyl, Carbendazim, Mancozeb, Matalaxy, Carbendazim+Mancozeb, Matalaxy+ Mancozeb and Sulfur) were tried against microbe as a single application, in mix and in mix with sodium bicarbonate. The atomic spray of bio-control agents recognized under the Bacillus class restrained 55-65% of mycelial development in dual plate culture strategy. The bioefficacy of fungicides and bioagents which performed well in vitro conditions was tried in vivo conditions too. Planned treatment of fungicides, synchronized cultivating, sterilization measures and use of micronutrients altogether diminished the percent infection of telya illness by 50%. Under high infection pressure, utilization of fungicides in a 12-15 days span can lessen the impact of illness and lead to the increment of the absolute yield.