Index

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different treatments either alone or in combination to control the damping off and wilt disease (Sclerotium rolfsii) of sunflower.The experiment was carried out following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatments viz. T1 = Soil drenching with Datura, T2 = Seed treatment with Datura, T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry litter + Seed treatment with Neem, T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7= Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Seed treatment with zinger, T9 = Poultry litter + Soil drenching with Datura and T10 = Control. The maximum number of field emergence (87%) was found at T5 treated plot, followed by T2 and T8 (both 84%). The lowest percent (0%) damping off was observed at treatment T2 and highest (4.92%) at T10 (Control). In case of wilting, disease incidence was lowest (0.6167%) at 30 DAS in case of T7 and 0.3933% at 50 DAS in case of T5, while T2 showed statistically similar results with the lowest data. Highest disease incidence percentages were found at T10 (Control) in both 30 and 50 DAS. Among all the treatments, maximum yield was observed at T2 treated plot (4.697 t/ha), while T9 showed statistically similar results (4.593 t/ha). Overall the research result revealed that, Seed treatment with Datura (T2) showed minimum disease incidence percentages for both damping off and wilt and also gave highest yield.

Keywords: Integrated management, Scleotium rolfsii, Identification, Damping off, Wilting, Sunflower, Disease incidence.

DOI: 10.20448/803.4.2.84.92

Citation | | Billah, K.M.M.; Islam, M.S.; Islam, S.M.A.; Hossain, M.B.; Rahman, M.M. (2019). Integrated Management of Damping off and Wilt (Caused by Sclerotium Rolfsii) of Sunflower. Canadian Journal of Agriculture and Crops, 4(2): 84-92.

Copyright: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

Funding : This study received no specific financial support.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

History : Received: 27 May 2019 / Revised: 3 July 2019 / Accepted: 8 August 2019 / Published: 20 September 2019 .

Publisher: Online Science Publishing

1. INTRODUCTION

The Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), belonging to the family Asteraceae, is globally recognized as one of the most important oil seed crops. It is grown on over 22 million hectares worldwide, with a production of 26 million tonnes [1, 2]. It is a high value cash crop and a source of high quality edible vegetable oil [3]. Sunflower is attacked by many diseases, which reduce the yield and quality significantly under optimal conditions [4]. More than 90 sunflower diseases have been reported worldwide [5]. Sunflower plants are attacked by a number of infection microorganisms mostly fungi, bacteria and nematodes which reduces yield and quality [6-8] . The most serious diseases of sunflower are caused by fungi. Wilt is one of the major diseases of sunflower caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and has become a big threat to crop production.

Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of collar/foot rot of many crops [9] having a wider host range [10] attracted the attention of plant pathologist and professional researcher throughout the world. Scleotium rolfsii were found to be associated with damping-off and charcoal-rot of sunflower. Chakravarty and Bhowmik [11] studied symptoms and techniques of inducing collar-rot of sunflower caused by S. rolfsii Sacc. The fungus caused pre- and post-emergence damping off of sunflower seedlings and collar rot of adult plants. Okoli, et al. [12] reported that S. rolfsii caused heavy infection on sunflower; plants wilted and dried out with basal stem dry rot. Affected plants developed round-elliptical basal lesions, brown-tan colored with a whitish centre and producing sclerotia. Diseased plants wilted, produced chaff seeds and died. Symptoms included an initial acropetal wilting of the entire plants. Affected plants gradually dry-out but remain erect. Initially leaves remained green and attached to the stem. Infected plants can be spotted from a distance by seen sickly appearance. Later the entire plant withers and dies. White cottony mycelium and mustard seed sized sclerotial bodies are formed on the affected stems near soil level.

This disease can be effectively controlled by using fungicides but it is costly as well as not easily available to farmers’ door. Since, the present day agriculture is aiming towards sustainable agriculture, use of chemicals are mostly discouraged because chemicals are costly and unfriendly to our ecosystem. These chemicals lead to health hazards and ecological effluence due to frequent use. Therefore development of eco-friendly integrated management strategy is necessary to control this pathogen. Single approach of control measure in many cases was not adequate to control the disease. Rather, integration of different treatments has been found to be effective in management of disease in comparison with individual treatments [13]. For example, amendment of compost with Trichoderma harzianum accelerated composting and improved its disease suppressive effect (61.6%) [14]. Few works have been done by using tobacco, neem, garlic and some other plant extracts to control some fungi. Different natural biocides also used separately or in combination with plant extracts to control some fungi by the farmers. The antifungal activities of garlic, neem, allamanda are well recognized [15] and have been reported by many researchers. It is thus dire necessity to work extensively to examine the effect of different concentration of tobacco, neem, garlic and other indigenous plant extract and natural biocides like ginger, turmeric, cow’s urine etc. in controlling disease which are easily available. These botanical pesticides are affordable by low income.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in the disease infected sunflower field of the field laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology during the year of 2017. Some botanicals and fungicides elected for controlling damping off and wilt of sunflower caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. These approaches was integrated into several treatment combinations and tested to determine their efficacy for controlling the diseases. Ten treatment combinations ere used to conduct this research. Those are as follows-T1= Soil drenching with Datura, T2 = Seed treatment with Datura, T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5= Poultry litter + Seed treatment with Neem, T6 = Seed treatment with Forestin, T7= Vermicompost +Seed treatment with Forestin, T8 = Cow dung + Seed treatment with Zinger, T9 = Poultry litter + Soil drenching with Datura and T10 = Control.

Soil amendments used in this study were vermi-compost, cow dung and poultry litter. Cow dung and poultry litter were collected from local farmers and vermicompost was collected from contract farmers of Regional Horticultural Research Station, Patuakhali.

Cow dung and poultry manure were well rotten, dried and grinded before amended with soil. Vermicompost were grinded properly before amended with soil. All amendments were applied to soil and mixed properly. The amended field then was kept for 15 days before seed sowing. The soil amendments were applied on each respective plot of 3 replications {(3x2) m2 x 3= 18 m2

The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The land was divided into three blocks. Each block was divided into 10 plots. So, there were 30 plots in the experimental field. The size of individual plots was 6 m2 (3m X 2m).The space between blocks and plots is 0.5 m. 10 treatments were randomly assigned in each block. Hysun-33 variety of sunflower seed was used in this study. Seeds of the cultivar were collected from local market of Patuakhali. Seeds of sunflower were sown in holes on 16th January 2017 maintaining optimum hole to hole and row to row distance. In each plot there were 4 rows and in each row there were 15 holes. Thus, there were 60 holes in an individual plot. 2-3 healthy seeds per hole were sown at a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm of the soil. Holes were then covered with loose soil. One healthy seedling was maintained in each hole after germination and allowed to grow on.

2.1. Data Collection

Collection of data on damping off of sunflower started from 15 days after sowing (DAS) at 10 days interval. The incidence of wilting was recorded at 20 days interval up to its final harvesting by Visual Diagnosis Method (VDM). Data were also collected on plant stand, plant height, head diameter and ultimate yield.

2.2. Calculation of Percent Seed Germination

Percent seed germination was calculated by using following formula:

2.3. Calculation of Percent Disease Incidence

Percent disease incidence was calculated by using following formula:

2.4. Yield Related Parameters

After harvesting, yield data were recorded on the following parameters- Diameter of head, Weight of head, Yield per plot & Yield per ha. The diameter of head recorded in cm measured by a meter scale as the horizontal distance from a side to another side of widest part of the sectioned head and mean value was recorded. The average weight of head per plant was recorded in gram measured by a balance. The yield per unit plot was calculated in kg by adding the yields of all (five) plants of each plot and expressed in kg. The yield per hectare was calculated out by converting form per plot yield data to per hectare and was measured in ton.

2.5. Statistical Data Analysis

All the collected data were analyzed by randomized complete block design (RCBD) following the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique using MSTATc package and the mean differences were adjudged by LSD technique at 5% level of significance

3. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

3.1. The Disease and the Causal Pathogen

The performance of sunflower against Sclerotium rolfsii was observed in the field of plant pathology field laboratory, PSTU, Dumki, Patuakhali. The crop was subjected to infection by Sclerotium rolfsii under natural conditions. Symptom of infection was severe necrosis followed by death of the plant due to stem and primary root infections. Affected plants developed round-elliptical basal lesions, brown-tan colored with a whitish centre and producing sclerotia. Affected plants gradually dry-out but remain erect. It showed characteristics yellowing of leaves associated with white mycelium at dry rotted root system or at the infected collar region. Small roundish mustard seed like sclerotia are found on the infected plant part Figure 1.

The causal pathogen was isolated from infected parts of sunflower plants at plant pathology laboratory, PSTU, Dumki, Patuakhali. It produced abundant white septate mycelia with clamp connections at each septation, aerial hyphae and also numerous spherical, or ellipsoidal, white sclerotia, which turned brown as they matured. Similarly, white mycelial growth and sclerotia were abundantly produced on host-inoculated test plants. Based on the morphological and cultural characteristics, the disease-causing organism was identified as Sclerotiumrolfsii Figure 1.

Source: Experimental field and pathology laboratory.

3.2. Field Emergence

The variation among field emergence of sunflower obtained from different plots was significant due to the application of different treatments Table 1. The maximum number of field emergence was found at T5 (Poultry litter + Neem) and minimum number of field emergence was found at T6(Forestin).

Means followed by same letter(s) in a column did not differ significantly at 5% level by LSD.       T1 = Datura (soil drenching), T2 = Datura (seed treatment), T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry litter + Neem (seed treatment), T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7= Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Zinger (seed treatment), T9 = Poultry litter + Datura (soil drenching) and T10 = Control.

3.3. Percent Disease Incidence (Damping off)

The effects of different treatments on disease incidence are shown in Table 2.  Damping off disease incidence varied from 0-4.92%, where highest disease incidence occurred at control (4.920), followed by Forestin (4.057%) and disease was not seen at at datura (seed treatment) treated plot (T2). The findings of the present study clearly supported those obtained by many researchers throughout the world [16-21] .

Means followed by same letter(s) in a column did not differ significantly at 5% level by LSD. T1 = Datura (soil drenching), T2 = Datura (seed treatment), T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry         litter + Neem (seed treatment), T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7= Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Zinger (seed treatment), T9 = Poultry litter + Datura (soil drenching) and T10 = Control.

3.4. Percent Disease Incidence (Wilting)

Disease incidence increased almost uniformly along with time apparently independent of treatments. It has been noted throughout the growth periods, the percent disease incidence was highest at T10 (control). So, the treatments effect differed significantly from control and amongst them Table 3.

At 30 DAS, maximum disease incidence occurred at T10 (7.869%) and minimum showed at T7 plot (0.617%). T2 and T5 gave identical result as T7 plot. T1, T3, T4 and T9 showed disease incidence 2.42%, 2.46%, 2.31% and 2.25% respectively. There was no statistical difference among results of those four treatments.

At 50 DAS, maximum disease incidence occurred at T10 (11.6%) and minimum disease incidence (0.393%) were shown at T5. There was no statistical difference between T2 and T5.T6 showed maximum disease incidence after control. T1, T7 and T9 showed minimum number of disease incidence after T5 and T10. Control (T10) showed maximum disease incidence over all the treatments at 30 and 50 DAS. At 70 and 90 DAS, the percent disease incidence did not vary significantly. Dabur, et al. [22] also noticed the antifungal activity of Datura against phytopathogens. Similar observations were made by Kulshrestha, et al. [23]. They reported that Datura improve seed germination and controlled the pathogen.

Means followed by same letter(s) in a column did not differ significantly at 5% level by LSD.       T1 = Datura (soil drenching), T2 = Datura (seed treatment), T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry litter + Neem (seed treatment), T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7 = Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Zinger (seed treatment), T9 = Poultry litter + Datura (soil drenching) and T10 = Control.

3.5. Head Diameter

It was observed that head diameter was highest at Datura treated plot (21.10 cm) and lowest at poultry litter + neem treated plot plot (15.17 cm). T2  gave identical result (19.13 cm) as poultry litter treated plot. The head diameter at T3 and T9 plot gave statistically identical result (17.23 cm) Table 4.

Means followed by same letter(s) in a column did not differ significantly at 5% level by LSD.    T1 = Datura (soil drenching), T2 = Datura (seed treatment), T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry litter + Neem (seed treatment), T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7= Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Zinger (seed treatment), T9 = Poultry litter + Datura (soil drenching) and T10 = Control.

It was observed that head diameter was highest at T4 (21.10 cm) and lowest at T5 plot (15.17 cm). T2  gave identical result (19.13 cm) as poultry litter treated plot. The head diameter at T3 and T9 plot gave statistically identical result (17.23 cm). T1, T6, T7  and control showed statistically identical results with T5.

3.6. Yields

The variation among yield of sunflower obtained from different plot was significant due to the different treatments Table 5. Among all the treatments, maximum yield was observed at T2 (Seed treatment with Datura) treated plot (4.697 ton/ha) and minimum yield was found on T6 (Forestin) treated plot (2.777 ton/ha). T9 (Poultry litter + soil drenching with Datura), T5 (Poultry litter + Neem seed treatment), T7 ( Vermicompost + Forestin seed treatment) and T8 (Cow dung + Zinger Seed treatment) showed yields 4.593, 4.597, 4.170 and 4.637 respectively which did not show statistical difference with Poultry litter + Datura (seed treatment) treated plot. Control showed minimum yield after Forestin (seed treatment) treated plot Table 5.

Means followed by same letter(s) in a column did not differ significantly at 5% level by LSD.       T1 = Datura (soil drenching), T2 = Datura (seed treatment), T3 = Vermicompost, T4 = Poultry litter, T5 = Poultry litter + Neem (seed treatment), T6 = Forestin (seed treatment), T7= Vermicompost + Forestin (seed treatment), T8 = Cow dung + Zinger (seed treatment), T9 = Poultry litter + Datura (seed treatment) and T10 = Control.

In general, results showed integrated effect of different practices was much more effective in case of disease management caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, than the individual effect of different practices. This finding is similar to the findings of Madhavi and Bhattiprolu [13]. They also observed that integration of different treatments was found to be effective in management of disease in comparison with individual treatments.

4. CONCLUSION

The incidence of damping off and wilting disease of sunflower caused by Sclerotiumrolfsii was observed highest at control plots while the lowest incidence were under the treatment T2 (in case of damping off)  treatment T7 (in case of wilting). Forestin might have some chemical effect on seed germination as it has showed less germination percentage than any other treatments and its ultimate yields was also less than any other treatments used in this experiment. Control resulted less yields than any other treatment except Forestin.

Among all the treatments, maximum yield was observed at T2 (Seed treatment with Datura) treated plot (4.697 ton/ha). Also statistical similar yields were observed at T9 (Poultry litter + Soil drenching with Datura), T5 (Poultry litter + Neem seed treatment), T7 (Vermicompost + Forestin seed treatment) and T8 (Cow dung + Zinger Seed treatment). This results indicate that integrated effect of different practices were much more effective in case of yield than the individual effect of different practices.

Thus, it can be concluded that the incidence of damping off and wilting disease can be significantly reduced by the combined used of botanicals and soil amendments in order to have a higher yield as well as eventual higher economic return with minimum environment pollution.

Therefore, the sunflower growers of the Patuakhali region of Bangladesh may be advised to take an integrated approach, which should include plant extracts, soil amendments and chemical measures to reduce disease incidence of damping off and wilting of sunflower

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