Kamala Nayar

Three systemic fungicides (azoxystrobin, tebuconazole and flusilazole), a contact fungicide copper hydroxide and a bio-agent Trichoderma viride, in different combinations, were evaluated in a cultivator's field under natural infection of black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) disease of banana during 2012–2013. azoxystrobin (0.15 per cent) and tebuconazole (0.1 per cent) effectively reduced disease severity of black sigatoka. effect of tebuconazole was more persistent than that of azoxystrobin after three consecutive sprayings with fungicides. integrating fungicides with Trichoderma viride, was not beneficial in controlling disease severity except for tebuconazole. Bunch weight was significantly higher when the fungicide tebuconazole was applied solely (9.75kg) and by integration with Trichoderma (9.74kg). The contact fungicide copper hydroxide (0.25 per cent) did not give significant results.

Pure cultures of bacterial antagonist, Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated from different locations in Kuttanad for screening against rice sheath blight disease. Three effective strains, viz. , PF43, PF46 and PF47 were tested individually and also in combination against sheath blight under field conditions. Combined application of PF43, PF46 and PF47 was found to be effective for sheath blight disease management during rabi 2009-10, kharif 2010 and rabi 2010-11.

Solarization of soil was found beneficial for plant growth in cowpea under field conditions. Root nodulation, infection by mycorrhizal fungi and yield were higher in plants grown in solarized soil. These increases were to the extent of 104.7, 20.0 and 23.7 per cent respectively when compared to control treatment without solarization.