Investigating the Antagonistic Effects of Novel Combination Fungicides against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini under In-vitro Conditions
K. Aravind *
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad, India.
M. Santha Lakshmi Prasad
Department of Plant Pathology, Crop Protection, ICAR-IIOR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
B. Vidya Sagar
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad, India.
D. Saida Naik
Department of Crop Physiology, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, PJTAU, India.
S.N.C.V.L Pushpavalli
Institute of Biotechnology, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of nine novel fungicide combinations against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini, the causal agent of wilt disease in castor.
Methodology: The efficacy of fungicides was evaluated using the poisoned food technique under in-vitro conditions. Radial mycelial growth of the pathogen was measured across various concentrations (100 to 1000 ppm) of the fungicide combinations to determine their impact on mycelial inhibition.
Results: Results indicated a substantial reduction in radial mycelial growth with increased fungicide concentration. Among the tested fungicides, Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin and Prochloraz + Tebuconazole recorded complete mycelial inhibition (100 %) at all the tested concentrations, demonstrating significant fungicidal activity followed by Hexaconazole + Captan with a mean mycelial inhibition of 85.2 %, indicating strong potential for disease management. In contrast, the least mean mycelial inhibition (24.7 %) was observed with Thiophanate methyl + Pyraclostrobin.
Conclusion: These findings underscored the importance of selecting effective fungicide combinations to manage F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini, thereby enhancing crop protection and agricultural sustainability.
Keywords: Castor, fungicide, F. oxysporum, mycelial inhibition, management