Fungal Diseases of Strawberry in Bangladesh with Special Reference to Crown Rot Disease

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted on various aspects on crown rot disease of strawberry with reference to survey and surveillance of fungal diseases. This study revealed that many fungal diseases of strawberry were noticed in Bangladesh. Among these diseases, crown rot is an important and very intensive disease of strawberry. The severity of crown rot was more at Rajshahi district followed by Sherpur, Dinajpur and Natore districts. The identity of the fungus was confirmed as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. And Sacc. Cultural studies revealed that among solid media, Richard’s and PDA media were found to be good for mycelial growth and sporulation of C. gloeosporioides on 10th day of incubation. Nutritional studies revealed that potassium nitrate and glucose were better for nitrogen and carbon sources respectively for growth and sporulation of the pathogen. Physiological studies revealed that optimum pH of 6.5 were favored for growth and sporulation of the pathogen. The highest mycelial growth and sporulation of the fungus was recorded at 30oC and light duration having 12 hours light alternated with 12 hours dark. In vitro evaluation of plant extracts mehedi and garlic were found to be most effective against C. gloeosporioides. Among the fungicides tested, Bavistin and Folicur were found to be effective at four concentrations (100-1000 ppm) and Hayconazole at 1000 ppm. Among two biomatters, cow urine was most effective against C. gloeosporioides. Out of five phytohormones, NAA was found to be effective followed by IAA, 2,4-D and IBA. Among the biocontrol agent T. harzianum was found to be effective against C. gloeosporioides. In the field evaluation of plant extracts, garlic bulb extract (25%) was most effective on crown rot disease of strawberry and recorded higher yield (149.29 g per plant) followed by neem leaf extract (145.99 g per plant). On the other hand the antagonist T. harzianum was found to be most effective in the field condition recorded higher yield (151.53 g per plant). Among the different fungicides, Bavistin at 1000 ppm was most effective and recorded higher yield (148.56 g per plant) followed by Score (143.44 g per plant) Hayconazole (139.41 g per plant) and Dithane (134.86 g per plant).