Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
Pudu Naveen Kumar, Ch S Kishore Kumar, S Narasimha Rao and K Mamatha

Abstract:
Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) referred as “King of tubers” belongs to the family- Araceae is considered as one of the main tuber crop cultivated in India and worldwide. Among various diseases that effects its yields, collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is considered as one of the main constraints for its cultivation in India. This disease can cause yield loss upto 100% based on the favourable conditions to the causal organism. To manage this disease effectively at field level, ten fungicides (copper oxy chloride, mancozeb, thiophanate methyl, propiconazole, azoxystrobin, flusilazole, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, carbendazim + mancozeb and carboxin + thiram) were tested @ 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 & 2500 ppm. All the tested fungicides significantly controlled the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii at 2500ppm except copper oxy chloride and thiophanate methyl. At 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 ppm, the fungicides i.e., propiconazole, azoxystrobin, flusilazole, tebuconazole and carboxin + thiram has completely inhibited the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii. Among the tested bioagents, Bacillus subtilis shows highest inhibition percentage (83.05%) followed by P. fluorescens (81.11%), T. harzianum (75%), T. viride (69.72%) and T. reesei (63.33%). As per the results obtained, application of fungicides @ 500 ppm: propiconazole, azoxystrobin, flusilazole, tebuconazole and carboxin + thiram, @2000 ppm- carbendazim + mancozeb and difenoconazole and @ 2500 ppm mancozeb, and under bioagents Bacillus subtilis effectively controls the growth of S. rolfsii.