Comparative efficacy of different chemical fungicides against Sclerotium rolfsii (sacc.) causing collar rot of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Present investigation was undertaken for efficacy of fungicides like i.e., carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% WS (vitavax), pyraclostrobin 100 g/L CS, propiconazole 25% EC, hexaconazole 5% EC, thiophanate methyl 70% WP, carbendazim 50% WP, mancozeb 75% WP, chlorothalonil 75% WP and captan 70% + hexaconazole 5% WP were evaluated in-vitro at three concentrations viz., 100, 125 and 200 ppm concentration against S. rolfsii on PDA by poisoned food technique. The result revealed that increase in concentration of the fungicides caused increased inhibition of mycelial growth of pathogen. Among these, carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% WS (vitavax) was completely inhibited mycelial growth of pathogen at 100 ppm, 125 ppm & 200 ppm. Followed by hexaconazole 5% EC in mycelial growth inhibition of 95.44, 97.22 and 100% at 100, 125 and 200 ppm, respectively. At 200 ppm both hexaconazole 5% EC and carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% WS (vitavax) is statistically at par in growth inhibition. While, mancozeb 75% WP was found least effective at all concentrations against S. rolfsii. Most effective in-vitro evaluate fungicides tested for their efficacy against disease under pot experiment along with treatment application methods viz., pre-emergence drenching, seed treatment and integration of both seed treatment and post emergence seedling drenching at 7 days after germination (7 DAG) against collar rot disease of chickpea in pot experiment. All the treatments proved significantly superior when compared with inoculated control. Maximum percent reduction in PESR (100.00%) was recorded in vitavax power applied through seed treatment followed by hexaconazole recorded (90.91%) reduction in PESR. Maximum percent reduction in PESM (62.50%) was recorded in hexaconazole applied through integration of seed treatment & post emergence seedling drenching at 7 DAG. Which, was followed by vitavax power observed (50.00%) reduction in PESM. Seed treatment alone reduced PESR while, integration of seed treatment and post emergence seedling drenching at 7 DAG also reduced PESM. Among treated pots highest grain yield recorded (45.90 g/pot) in hexaconazole applied through integration of integration of seed treatment and post emergence seedling drenching at 7 DAG followed by vitavax power (43.33 g/pot).