Assessment of Different Organics’ Efficacy on Seed-Borne Pathogen Colletotrichum spp. of Chilli

Abstract

Background: Chilli is one of the important spice cum vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. It is an important source of vitamins, minerals, oleoresin etc. There are different biotic and abiotic factors responsible for the reduction in the yield of chilli in India.  One of the most serious fungal diseases of chilli which causing the major pre and post harvest loss is anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species. Primary infection of the disease is due to the seed borne nature of pathogen. So for the better management of the disease, control measures should be taken by understanding the seed borne nature of pathogen. Methods: The present investigation was taken up to studying the seed borne nature of disease so that suitable management practices can be recommended to reduce the yield loss. Seeds of the eight infected chilli genotypes were collected and presence of pathogen was detected using agar plate method and standard blotter method. Efficacy of five different organics were tested by using germination test by calculating germination percentage and seedling vigour index of infected seeds of susceptible chilli variety (Byadgi Dabbi) Results: Among the eight different genotypes tested through agar plate and standard blotter method six genotypes (Bhadra, Shilpa, Ujwala, Arka Tanvi, Green Thunder and Sitara) recorded 100 % however, Arka Tejasvi and WS-2270 showed 0 % seed infection. Among the five organics tested maximum germination percentage and seedling vigour index was recorded when the infected seeds were treated with vermiwash and cow urine.