EVALUATION OF VARIOUS FUNGICIDES AGAINST FUSARIUM SOLANI (MART.) SACC CAUSING SUDDEN DECLINE DISEASE OF DATE PALM (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) infected with sudden decline disease problem caused by Fusarium solani is considered as one of the most severe problem in Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. F. solani are thought to be a causative organism for this epidemiological problem.  Six fungicides were tested   such as Bavistin D.F, Topsin-M, Alliette, Ridomil gold, Mancozeb and Copper oxychloride at 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 (g) concentrations against F. solani in potted date palm seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The result revealed  that all fungicides significantly reduced the infection of F. solani on treated plants as compared to the control (un-treated plants. The significant differences obtained in terms of root and shoot length than untreated/control plantlets. The maximum root length was recorded using Bavistin D.F that also appeared as highly effective in terms of reducing the disease severity followed by Topsin-M, Alliete and Ridomil Gold whileMancozeb and Copper oxychloride were appeared as least effective.