CHEMOTHERAPY OF BLACK SCURF OF POTATO THROUGH TUBER TREATMENT

Abstract

Potato (Solonum tuberosum L.) is suffering from an imperative fungal disease black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) which is also a yield limiting factor by decreasing market value and quality of potato.  In vitro and in vivo management trials were conducted to manage this disease using three fungicides Moncerene (pencycuron), Curon (pencycuron) and Topsin M (thiophenate methyl). Under in vitro conditions Moncerene and Curon performed the best at 700 ppm with 96% and 87% inhibition of the fungus, respectively while Topsin M was efficient at 2500 ppm with 74% inhibition using poison food technique. Potato tubers when treated with aforementioned fungicides resulted in  maximum number of stems, minimum black scurf disease index and higher yield as compared to control. Moncerene was most an effective fungicide at a concentration 48 mL 80 kg^-1  potato tubers. Therefore, farmers are suggested to treat potato tubers with moncerene @ 48 mL 80 kg^-1  potato tubers before sowing.