FIELD STUDY ON INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF CABBAGE HEAD ROT CAUSED SCLEROTINIA SCLEROTIORUM

Abstract

Cabbage head rot caused by fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a very common problem for vegetable growing farmers. Diseased stem and leaves produce white cottony growth and hard sclerotia. Cabbage is used as fresh green salads thus disease management is not safe and economical by using solely chemical therapy. An integrated approach was designed in 4 years trial evaluation to minimize disease incidence. In first step best treatments were selected by using methods of in-vitro food poison evaluation method, cultural management, soil fumigation and foliar treatments by botanical extracts and modern fungicides. Cultural practices included north south row orientation, crop sanitation by elevated ridges, and humidity management by adjusting irrigation schedule showed control of up to 15%. Soil fumigation by Thiophenate Methyle and score reduced disease incidence by 50.33%. Among the five bio-extracts foliar application of jatropha extract showed best control of 31%. From four fungicides Amistar Top showed highest control of 73% in 2018 and Score produced best results of 76% in 2019. In second step best treatments were combined in a single application integrated strategy which reduced incidence by 80.5%. Farmers were advised to adopt safe methods keeping in mind the extant of disease incidence and crop loss.