Salient Achievements

• The strobilurin fungicides Kresoxim methyl and RIL, proved efficacy in planta against foot rot are being evaluated for integrated disease management against foot rot and slow decline diseases in the field in comparison with Metalaxyl-Mz. The treatments were applied as protective sprays and soil drenching during pre and post monsoon period. Observations were recorded on soil microbial population, incidence of foot, slow decline and yellowing. No Phytophthora incidence or Phytophthora population was noticed in any of the treatments. But yellowing was noticed in treatments with Metalaxyl-Mz and in control. A species of Pythium was detected in soil baiting. Population of Pythium and plant parasitic nematode was found comparatively less in all the treatments when compared to control where Metalaxyl-Mz + carbosulfan showed the least nematode population.
• Six new fungicide molecules that showed 100% in vitro inhibition against P. capsici were tested in planta by challenge inoculation and compared with already recommended fungicide Metalaxyl- Agenda Notes – XXXI IRC 11-12 July 2018 28 Mz. The chemicals were Cymoxanil 8%+Mz.64% (Curzate), (0.2%), Iprovalicarb+ Propineb (Melody duo 0.4%), Propineb (Antracol 0.2%), Chlorothalonil (0.2%), Famoxadone 16.6%+ Cymoxanil 22.1% (Equation Pro 0.1%). The chemicals were applied prophylactically to one year old potted plants as soil drenching and foliar application and challenged with two isolates P. capsici. All the chemicals showed leaf infection. However Metalaxyl-Mz showed the least infection. Stem infection was noticed only with Iprovalicarb+ Propineb (0.4%) and root infection only with Cymoxanil 8%+Mz.64%).
• Field trial was taken up in farmer’s plot with promising combinations of bioagents viz. Bp25+Bp17, Bp 25+ TC 10, Act 2+9, Act 5+9 and Trichoderma harzianum +Pochonia Chlamydosporia. The bioagents were given as soil application followed by aerial spraying with Bordeaux mixture 1% during pre-monsoon and post -monsoon period. Here treatments were in such a way that each combination of bioagent contains one antagonist for Phytophthora and another antagonist for nematode. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for nematode and Phytophthora population and also for microbial load and pH. The nematode population was considerably reduced in all the bioagent treatments when compared to control. Around 87% reduction in the population of plant parasitic nematode was recorded. No Phytophthora population or foot symptoms were noticed in the trial plot.
• Field trial was taken up in a farmers plot with four different varieties of black pepper raised by incorporating different Streptomycetes combinations. The experiment consists of four treatments viz. T. harzianum + P. chlamydosporia, Act-5+9, Act 2+9 and control. The four varieties being tested are Thevam, Shakthi, Girimunda, Malabar excel. The treatments were imposed during pre and post monsoon period. The plants were observed for growth, and disease incidence. No diseases were observed in the initial year of planting. As far as growth is concerned, variety IISR Thevam produced the maximum lateral branches. The experiment is being continued.