Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
I Yesu Raja, M Ayyandurai, N Rajinimala, V Saravanan, N Revathy and K Eraivan Arutkani Aiyanathan

Abstract:
An extensive field survey assessed the incidence of anthracnose disease in major chilli growing areas of Ramanathapuram district. Disease incidence was calculated based on evaluations of twenty-one locations, with twenty-five chilli plants assessed for infected fruit. The survey aimed to determine the distribution of the pathogen and its prevalence in the host population. Additionally, three field experiments were conducted in three villages, involving different treatments with seed treatments and foliar sprays of fungicides. Disease incidence was recorded at multiple time points, revealing varying levels of anthracnose incidence. The treatment with the lowest incidence involved Bacillus subtilis and chlorothalonil, while the highest incidence was observed with B. subtilis, metiram, and dimethomorph. Furthermore, the treatment with the highest yield and cost-benefit ratio employed Bacillus subtilis and chlorothalonil. These findings provide valuable insights into anthracnose disease incidence and offer potential management strategies for mundu chilli crops.