Deploying unconventional chemicals for collar rot management through induced resistance in sunflower

Abstract

Sunflower is severely affected by the soil-borne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., causing collar rot disease which results in severe yield losses. Present study was conducted to assess the effect of different non-conventional chemical such as salicylic acid (SA), acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), indole butyric acid (IBA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on disease incidence and biochemical responses by plant. Our findings revealed that salicylic acid and acetyl salicylic acid significantly reduced disease severity through enhanced resistance. The indole acetic acid was least effective in controlling the disease and inducing disease resistance. The biochemical analyses suggested that these chemicals increased the activity of defense-related enzyme such as peroxidase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase, contributing to improved disease resistance. These findings offer valuable insights into alternative approaches for managing S. rolfsii infection in sunflower, thereby contributing to sustainable disease control practices.