Biological management of Sclerotium rot of chilli

Abstract

Sclerotium rot of chilli caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the most devastating soil-borne diseases whichposes a problem for the successful cultivation of the crop. The present field investigation was carried out forthe biological management of Sclerotium rot of chilli during rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21. It was foundthat all the modules were effective to reduce the incidence of the disease. Among the biological modules, seedtreatment with T. viride + P. fluorescens @ 10.0 g/kg of seed and soil application of T. viride and P. fluorescens @2.5kg/ha and soil application of neem cake @ 5 q/ha + drenching with T. viride and P. fluorescens @10 g/l of watereach twice at 10 days interval starting from 30 DAT was most effective in reducing the incidence of the diseaseby 56.2% and increasing the fruit yield by 66.7% in comparison to untreated control. The treatment also improvedsoil microbial status and achieved the highest plant growth promotion in terms of plant height and leaf numberand maximum B:C ratio of 2.26.