Novel management strategy to minimize the growing threat of fruit rot and powdery mildew diseases of chilli (Capsicum annuum) in India

Abstract

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), is severely infected by anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsici) and powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica), which significantly reduces the quality and yield of chilli in India, especially in the recent years. The concern of modern plant breeding for improvement of new varieties with escape behavior to diseases or genetic resistance, but currently, the use of chemicals offers a practical and rapid solution to combat the disease outbreaks. Compounds having a novel mode of action are of special interest, since they play a key role in resistance management strategies with enhanced characteristics such as systemicity and longer protection period in plant disease management. In the present study, an experiment was conducted for the management of fruit rot and powdery mildew in chilli at Horticulture Research and Extension Center, Devihosur, Haveri, Karnataka, India. Fluxapyroxad 250 g/l + Pyraclostrobin 250 g/l 500 SC @ 0.05% recorded significantly least per cent disease index and significantly highest dry yield of chilli compared to all other treatments. It has also recorded significant improvement in quality parameters such as increase in capsanthin and capsaicin content along with improved plant health characters such as prolonged greening and greater dry mater production. The untreated check recorded significantly highest per cent disease index and least dry yield of chilli. The technical feature of this fungicide will provide useful information for stakeholder for target specific action against anthracnose and powdery mildew diseases along with improved plant health, quality and increase in yield.