Integrated management of fruit drop in sapota (Manilkara zapota)

Abstract

An experiment on integrated management of fruit drop in sapota (Manilkara zapota) was conducted in field studies in Maharashtra, India, from 2016-17 to 2017-18 at three different locations, i.e. Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurle, Dist. Sindhurg, Agricultural Research Station, Palghar, Dist. Palghar and Vangaon Taluka Dahanu, Dist. Palghar, to determine the severity of fruit drop of sapota (Manilkara zapota) caused by Phytophthora palmivora. The efficacy of various fungicides in the control of this pathogen is also discussed. Results revealed that significantly least per cent fruit drop, highest per cent reduction in fruit drop and highest fruit yield (t/ha.) were exhibited with the treatment T4 i.e. Phytosanitation + three sprays of Bordeaux mixture @ 1% + soil application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 250 g/plant. Thus, the treatment T4 was found to be most effective in minimizing Phytophthora palmivora fruit drop in sapota, with highest ICBR ratio.