Isolation and efficacy of fungicides and homeo-fungicides against anthracnose of chilies caused by Colletotrichum capsici

Abstract

Chili anthracnose damages chili fruits extensively at pre and postharvest stages causing anthracnose lesions. Even very small lesion of anthracnose on fruits of chili reduces the market value of chili crop. Fungitoxic effects of eight fungicides and homeo-fungicides were tested in vitro through poisoned food technique. There was a significant decrease in mycelial growth of the fungus with an increase in fungicide and homeo fungicide concentration in all the tested fungicides over the control. When mycelial growth of Colletotrichum capsici in response to fungicides and their concentrations were compared, Be no my I proved to be the best which gave highest control efficiency (100%) on all the concentrations. While Protest proved to be the least effective (48.7%) at highest concentration (1000 (μg/ml) tested. Revus had also inhibited the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum capsici completely at three concentrations of 300, 500 and 1000 μg/ml, respectively. However, when growth of the fungus in response to homeo-fungicidal concentrations were compared Vampire proved to be the best as it had given the maximum control (83 percent) followed by Rigrous (81%) on 1000 μg/ml concentration. While Vantage proved to be the least effective (76%) at highest concentration (1000 μg/ml). None of the other tested fungicides or any of the homeo-fungicides have completely checked the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum capsici. From our results it is clear that with increase in fungicide concentration decreased the mycelial growth of fungus and homeo fungicides can be used as an alternative to the synthetic fungicides to reduce the hazardous impact on the environment.