Efficacy of fungicides against Pythium aphanidermatum causing damping off of tomato seedling

Abstract

Damping off (Pythium aphanidermatum) is one of the most wide spread, destructive disease of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) which accounts for about 50 to 80 per cent yield losses. All the fungicides tested significantly inhibited mycelial growth of P. aphanidermatum, over untreated control. Average mycelia growth inhibition recorded with test systemic fungicides was ranged from 22.09% (Carbendazim) to 100 per cent (Metalaxyl). However, it was cent per cent with Metalaxyl (100%) followed by Thiophanate methyl (82.94%), Difenconazole (66.46%), Hexaconazole (66.40%), Pyraclostrobin (65.34%) and Propiconazole (55.67%). Whearas, it was comparatively minimum with Carbendazim (22.09%).