Integrated management of anthracnose disease of bottle gourd

Abstract

The anthracnose of bottle gourd incited by Colletotrichum lagenarium (Syn.C. orbiculare) is emerging as a major disease of bottle gourd in Konkan region. The fungal growth on solid medium was robust, compact with distinct zonation at specific distance. Initially the growth was olivaceous grey to green which gradually turned black with a pinkish tinge at maturity. Mycelium was septate, hyaline and branched about 2-5 μm in diameter. Conidia were hyaline, single celled measuring about 12 - 14 X 4 - 4.5 μm and guttulate with single oil globule. The disease appeared in the form minute, irregular yellow spots on leaves. These spots enlarged into brown necrotic lesions surrounded by yellow halo. Under field conditions, Benomyl (0.25%) was found to be the most effective fungicide with PDI of 28.00 per cent. The highest yield 19.43t/ha was recorded from Propiconazole (0.1%) with highest ICBR of 0.63. in case of integrated management of the disease, seed treatment with T. viride + three sprays with Propiconazole (0.1%) was the best treatment in integrated management with the lowest disease intensity (24.35%). The maximum yield (20.71t/ha) was recorded from seed treatment with T. viride + three sprays of Propiconazole (0.1%) with ICBR of 0.80.