Vol. 11, Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Bibhu Prasad Sethi, Jitendra S Suryawanshi, Amol N Kale, Chintamani D Deokar and Chatur Thakare

Abstract:
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is cultivated in almost every tropical and frost-free subtropical country on the planet. It is called the "Apple of tropics". It is a rich source of vitamin 'C', with high minerals and pectin content. Guava is prevalent in India at diverse elevations and environmental conditions throughout the tropical and subtropical states. Pestalotiopsis psidii (Pat.) Mordue causes scabby fruit canker, one of the most frequent fruit diseases in guava-growing countries. It affects all phases of guava fruit development. Scabby fruit canker can significantly reduce fruit yield during the pre-harvest stage and cause fruit losses during post-harvest storage. The infected fruits exhibited tiny dark necrotic lesions with scabby appearances. The pathogen was isolated by standard tissue isolation method and purified by single spore technique. Pathogenicity of fungus was proved by following Koch’s postulates. Identification of the fungus was carried out at the Plant Pathology Section, College of Agriculture, Dhule. In vitro efficacy of fungicides, revealed that Carbendazim 50% WP @ (0.1%) and Propiconazole 25% EC @ (0.05%) inhibited mycelial growth of the test fungus significantly (93.10%, 92.36% respectively), followed by Copper Oxychloride 50% WP @ (0.2%), Mancozeb 75% WP @ (0.25%), Difenoconazole 25% EC @ (0.05%). Whereas, it was the least with Hexaconazole 5% EC @ (0.05%).