Assessment of fungicidal potential against Fusarium solani causing root rot in mulberry (Morus alba L.) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Investigation was conducted in vitro to evaluate the efficacy of different contact, systemic, and combi fungicides against Fusarium solani, the causal agent of root rot in mulberry (Morus alba L.), using the poisoned food technique at varying concentrations. Among the contact fungicides tested (250, 500, and 1000 ppm), Chlorothalonil 50% WP exhibited the highest mycelial inhibition (78.15%) at 1000 ppm, followed by Propineb 75% WP (79.26%), while Copper oxychloride 50% WP showed the least inhibition (62.22%). In the case of systemic fungicides (100, 250, and 500 ppm), Tebuconazole 25% WP and Propiconazole 25% EC achieved complete (100%) inhibition across all concentrations, followed by Hexaconazole 5% EC (up to 88.15%), whereas Azoxystrobin 23% SC was least effective (66.30%). Among the combi fungicides, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP proved most effective, showing complete (100%) mycelial inhibition at 500 and 1000 ppm, followed by Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% WG (87.16%). The fungicide Copper oxychloride 50% WP and Metalaxyl 4% + Mancozeb 64% WP displayed the lowest inhibition rates. The significant interaction between fungicide type and concentration (F × C) emphasized that both factors critically influence antifungal efficacy. Overall, Tebuconazole 25% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC, and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP emerged as the most potent fungicides in suppressing F. solani growth, indicating their potential utility in developing effective management strategies for mulberry root rot disease under field conditions.