Collar rot disease of Lentil caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and its management

Abstract

Several diseases are known to infect lentil (Lens culinaris) during its growth stages. Among them, collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, is very common in all the major lentil growing areas. The characteristic symptoms include white fungal strands (mycelia or hyphae) around collar region of the infected plant parts and on the soil surrounding the plant. The disease causes appreciable loss in yield. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives on the efficacy of fungicides, bio-agents and comparative study combining various management tactics against Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the bio-agents the maximum inhibition was shown by Chaetomium globosum(83.21%) followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens(76%) and Trichoderma viridae(71.86%). Complete mycelial inhibition was recorded with fungicides Curzate M and Nativo at the concentration (100 ppm) after 96 hrs of inoculation. During the assessment of Integrated Disease Management least percent disease incidence, maximum yield was recorded in Trichoderma and Pseudomonas bioprimed seeds followed by soil application with neem cake and Trichoderma harzianum.