Utilization of chemical fungicides in managing the wilt disease of chickpea caused by <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f. sp. <i>ciceri</i>
Arshi Jamil, Shabbir Ashraf
Abstract
Seven fungicides (Captan, Thiram, Bavistin, Chlorothalonil, Mancozeb, Thiophenate methyl and Propiconazole) at eight different concentrations were evaluated for their effectiveness in managing Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri (FOC) responsible to cause wilt in chickpea. Among the selected eight fungicides, the best four fungicides (Bavistin, Captan, Thiram and Thiophenate methyl) were evaluated with three different doses as seed treatment and soil application against FOC under pot conditions for their efficacy in reducing wilt severity and promoting plant growth. Later, top three fungicides (Bavistin, Captan and Thiram) were further tested in field condition. Among the assessed fungicides, Bavistin gave the best results in restricting the pathogen’s colony growth in lab and in pots and field trials. Its seed treatment was more efficient in enhancing pods and nodule count per plant and yield of chickpea besides, improving chlorophyll and leghemoglobin contents by reducing the soil population of FOC and percent disease incidence and severity.