Pathogenicity and Integrated Management of Colletotrichum capsici [Syd. (Butler and Bisby)] Causing Anthracnose of Betelvine (Piper betle L.)

Abstract

Disease development is largely governed by physiological and nutritional factors that influence fungal growth, sporulation, and pathogenicity. Excessive dependence on fungicides has raised concerns regarding environmental safety and resistance. Therefore, understanding pathogen biology along with evaluation of botanicals and fungicides is essential for developing sustainable disease management strategies. An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of botanicals and fungicides against Colletotrichum capsici, the causal agent of anthracnose of betelvine, using the poisoned food technique. Seven botanicals were tested at 2.5, 5 and 10 per cent concentrations. All botanicals significantly inhibited mycelial growth over the control, with datura showing maximum inhibition of 15.70, 30.09 and 37.17 per cent at 2.5, 5, and 10 per cent concentrations, respectively. At 10 per cent, bryophyllum, neem, tulsi, and garlic recorded 30.75, 22.57, 20.79 and 16.59 per cent inhibition respectively. Seven fungicides were evaluated at 100–1000 ppm. Propiconazole 25% EC caused 100 per cent inhibition at all concentrations. At 100 ppm, copper oxychloride, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, and carbendazim + mancozeb showed 87.17, 73.89, and 72.34 per cent inhibition, respectively, while Mancozeb 75% WP recorded 85.61 per cent inhibition at 1000 ppm. Among fungicides, propiconazole 25% EC caused complete inhibition at all concentrations, whereas copper oxychloride and combination fungicides were also highly effective at higher doses. The results support the integration of eco-friendly botanicals with effective fungicides for sustainable management of anthracnose of betelvine.