In vitro assay of different fungicides and bio control agents against fungal pathogens of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) plantation in Assam

Abstract

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a commercially lucrative plant with amazing health benefitting qualities which has drawn attention of farmers in every part of the country so too in Assam. The crop has drawn considerable public attention due to its high commercial value. As a result interest in planting and cultivation of this fruit is increasing in the state. However with increase in cultivation of the crop there are reports of diseases such as anthracnose, stem rot and stem gray blight from the state. As such actions are needed to address these diseases for effective, sustainable and practical management strategies. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify efficient fungicide and bio control agent against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides OQ274997, Fusarium oxysporum OQ274999, Fusarium dimerum OQ274998 and Diaporthe phaseolorum OQ275000 causing anthracnose, stem rot and stem gray blight disease of dragon fruit to develop suitable integrated disease management strategies. In vitro efficacy of fungicides (Trifloxystrobin 25%+Tebuconazole 50%, Azoxystrobin and Copper oxychloride) at three different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1and 0.2%) and bio control agents (Trichoderma viride KF439055, Pseudomonas fluorescens KT258013 and Bacillus subtilis ON3861930 were carried out against the above pathogens through poisoned food technique and dual culture method. Result revealed that combination fungicide Tebuconazole 50%+Trifloxystrobin 25% WG @ 0.05% and T. viride KF439055 significantly lowered mycelia growth of the pathogens and found to be the most promising amongst the fungicide and bio control agents evaluated against the pathogens.