Root Rot :(Scelerotial stage : Rhizoctonia bataticola ) (Pycnidial stage : Macrophomina phaseolina )

• The disease occurs both in young seedlings and grown up plants.
• The lower leaves show yellowing, drooping and premature defoliation.
• The discolored area later turns black and death of plants occur.
• The infected plants can be easily pulled out due to the rotting of the roots.
• Minute dark sclerotia are seen in the shredded bark (collar region and root).
• Large number of brown dots on the stem portion represent the pycnidial stage.
• Prolong dry weather or drought followed by irrigation or rain favours this disease build up.

Management

• Seed treatment with talc formulation of T. viride @ 4g or P. fluorescens @ 1g/kg seed (or) Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kgNeem cake @ 150 Kg/ha
• Soil application of P. fluorescens or T. viride@ 2.5 Kg / ha + 50 Kg of well decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days after sowing.
• Spot drenching with Carbendazim @ 1 gm/ litre