Efficacy of different fungicides against Fusarium solani causing root rot of papaya (Carica papaya L.) ? A new threat in agroecological conditions of Bihar

Papaya root rot was observed as a new disease at Pusa and other parts of Bihar during 2011-14. The disease posed as a serious threat to papaya cultivation throughout the plant growth stage showing incidence up to 90% and resulted in gradual collapse of entire papaya plants in a stand. Seven fungicides viz. Carbendazim, Thiophanate methyl, Copper oxychloride, Carbendazim + Mancozeb, Metalaxyl + Mancozeb, Strobilurin and Mancozeb were tested in vitro by food poisoning technique against the Fusarium solani, causal agent of root rot of papaya. Carbendazim was identified as most effective fungicide, inhibited 93.5% mycelia growth followed by Thiophanate-methyl (89.7%) at 150 ppm.