Integrated management approaches for controlling root rot of bael caused by Fusarium solani

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to find out the effective management practices to control the recently recorded pathogen (Fusarium solani) inciting root rot disease in Bael. Rampant incidence due to this pathogen is resulting in excess damage and reduction in acreage. Out of six fungicides screened in vitro, Topsin-M and Bavistin stood at first place in inhibiting the mycelial growth of F. solani. Topsin-M showed 100% inhibition at 50 ppm concentration whereas Bavistin showed 100% inhibition at 150 ppm concentration. Bavistin and Topsin-M as seed dressers effectively protected pre and post emergence seedlings mortality to the tune of 68.75 and 70.95%; 65.00 and 67.54%, respectively. Pre-sowing drenching of soil with Bavistin (0.4%) reduced the pre-emergence mortality from 26.50 to 8.25% and post-emergence mortality from 39.00 to 16.25%. The integration of seed treatment and pre-sowing drenching resulted in 72.51% control of pre emergence mortality and 82.92% control of post emergence mortality. In dual culture method, maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was recorded with Trichoderma harzianum (72.18%) followed by T. viride (67.70%). Glomus mosseae in combination with T. harzianum was found very effective against F. solani under screen house conditions as minimum pre emergence mortality (10.00%) and post emergence mortality (13.25%) against control where the values were 27.25% and 40.25%, respectively. The studies and results compiled here in provide an explanation for the potential of selected fungicides and antagonists in the control of bael root rot disease.