Integrated management of root rot of castor (Ricinus communis L.) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

Abstract

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the important oilseed crops of India. Occurrence of root rot disease has become a major constraint in recent years for successful and profitable cultivation of castor. The efficacy of various bioagents viz. Tricoderma viride, T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens and different fungicides through seed treatment and soil application were evaluated against Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid causing root rot disease in castor. Among the different treatments tested in field condition, the lowest root rot incidence was recorded in the seed treatment of carbendazim 50% WP @ 2 g/kg (17.13%) followed by the seed treatment of carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% @ 3 g/kg (18.18%). Among the different bioagents, seed treatment of Trichoderma harzianum found superior in disease control with 26.71% disease incidence followed by soil application and drenching of same bioagent. The maximum yield was recorded in the treatment of carbendazim 50% WP (1332 kg/ha) followed by carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% (1239 kg/ha).