BIOCONTROL OF GANODERMA WILT(BASAL STEM ROT) DISEASE OF COCONUT
B.SRINIVASULUPrincipal Scientist (Plant Pathology) & Head
A.SUJATHASenior Scientist (Entomology)
M.KALPANAScientist {Horticulture)
A.PAVANI RANIAgricultural Extension Officer
B.SATYA RATNA SUBHAS CHANDRANJunior Research Fellow (Path) - CDB Adhoc Project
Y.RAMA KRISHNASenior Research Fellow (Hort) - CDB Adhoc Project
AICRP ON PALMS (ICAR)ANDHRA PRADESH HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH STATIONAMBAJIPETA - 533 214, E.G. Dist., A.P.
2008
AICRP of Palms, HRS, Ambajipeta Technical Bulletin
Coconut industry provides sustenance to over 10 million people
in India. Andhra Pradesh is one of the major coconut growing states in
India and the crop is grown in an area of one lakh hectares with an
annual production of 1092 milion nuts and about 60 per cent of the
area is distributed in the light soils. Coconut palms are normally affected
by various insect pests and diseases resulting in considerable reduction
in nut yields and nut quality. Among the various fungal diseases affecting
Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University
Dr. S. D. ShikhamanyM.Sc (Ag), Ph.D
Vice- Chancellor, A.P.H.U.
(Dr. S.D. SHIKHAMANY)Date: 10-11-2008VENKATARAMANNAGUDEM
FOREWORD
the coconut palm, Basal stem rot (Ganoderma Wilt) is the most destructive one espicially in
the light soils of Andhra Pradesh. Though, wilting is a common symptom associated with the
disease in the early stage, death of the affected palm is the ultimate manifestation of the
debilitating disease resulting in total loss of the palms. The disease prevalence in the State
extends up to 20 per cent.
Earlier research on this disease carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Ambajipeta
had led to certain chemical control recommendations only. The recent efforts made at the
research centre to manage this disease through biocontrol approach through the use of
Trichoderma viride. T.harzianum and T.hamatum which are the biocontrol approach in the
management of disease of perennial crops such as coconut would certainly works well when
planned on a long-term basis which is cost effective and easily adaptable by the farmers.
On this occasion, I congratulate Dr. B. Srinivasulu, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology)
and his colleagues for bringing out this useful booklet.
VENKATARAMANNAGUDEM
Near Tadepalligudem
West Godavari District, A.P.
All INDIA COORDINATED RESEARCH PROJECT ON PALMS
(Indian Conucil of Agricultural Research) CPCRI, KASARAGOD -671 124, India
Phone & Fax: (04994) 232733; E-mail: aicrppalms@yahoo. com
Dr. S. ARUL RAJM.Sc (Ag), Ph.D
Project Coordinator (Palms)
(S. ARUL RAJ)Date: 27-11-08Place: Kasaragod
FOREWORD
India has made significant progress in coconut production due to research and developmentefforts as well as diverse favourable agro-climatic conditions in the country. However, coconut productionin India is hampered by many constraints of which the threat posed by biotic stresses, the diseasesplay a major havoc causing considerable reduction in yield levels. Among the coconut diseases reportedfrom our country, Basal stem rot (Ganoderma wilt) caused by Ganoderma spp is a serious one andcauses death of coconut palms. The disease is popularly known as 'Ganoderma wilt' (Andhra Pradesh);'Anabe Roga' (Karnataka); 'Thanjavur wilt' (Tamilnadu) and 'Basal stem rot' (Kerala, Maharastra, Gujarat,and Orissa).
Though a few management practices were available for combating the disease, none of themwere effective in eliminating the problem completely. The research work carried out at All IndiaCoordinated Research Project of Palms Centre, Horticultural Research Station, Andhra PradeshHorticultural University, Ambajipeta during the last 15 years on various aspects of biological controlusing the potential bioagents like Trichoderma viride, T.harzianum, T.hamatum as well as etiologicaland epidemiological studies is laudable. The integrated disease management package formulatedagainst the basal stem rot disease using biocontrol and cultural methods is a success and is gainingpopularity among the farming community.
It is essential that the researchers take efforts to popularize the research results and successstories in any branch of knowledge and I am happy that a technical bulletin entitled 'Basal stem rot(Ganoderma wilt) of coconut' encompassing all the salient aspects of research carried out on basalstem rot disease including management are brought out by the Centre. I congratulate Dr. B. Srinivasulu,Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) Head, AICRP on Palms, HRS, Ambajipeta and his team membersfor finding a solution to the dreadful coconut basal stem rot disease and bringing out such a worthwhilepublication.
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
5
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT(GANODERMA WILT) DISEASE OF COCONUT
INTRODUCTION
In India, coconut palms are grown in an extent of 1.84 million ha with a production of 12597.3million nuts and a productivity of 6847.nuts/ha annually, predominantly in States of Kerala,Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Basal Stem Rot (Ganoderma wilt) disease causedby Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat., and G,lucidum (Leys) Kant. is the most destructivedisease of coconut, as the ultimate infection leads to death of palms, Though, several researchershave reported different practices for the management of the disease, the results are inconsistentand not much work has been done relating to the aspects of ecological sustainability, keepingin view the minimal use of fungicides. Hence, an attempt was made to find out and exploit theefficacy of native biocontrol agent, Trichoderma spp against the basal stem rot of coconut.
OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION
A survey conducted in Andhra Pradesh during 2000-'02 revealed that the diseaseincidence is more prevalent in lighter soils in the coastal districts, though distributed all overthe State. Maximum incidence of the disease was noticed in East Godavari district with amean of 22.2 per cent followed by in Srikakularn and West Godavari districts with meanincidence of 14.5 and 11.5 per cent respectively. Generally, the disease incidence was more inpalms in the age group 10 to 30 years.
SYMPTOMATOLOGY
Roots: The disease first starts in theroot system. Initially, a few roots getinfected and rot. Decay and death ofthe fine roots is the first under groundsymptom of the disease.Discoloration and extensive rotting ofroot system are observed which arecharacteristic of the disease. Therotting proceeds towards the bole.Cortical tissues disintegrate and thestele turns brown. There is aprogressive reduction in regeneration of new roots. In severely diseased palms, more than 70per cent root rotting was observed. The root decay was more (up to 70.%) at 0-30 cm depththan at deeper layers (up to 30%). Thus, with increase in depth from soil surface, extent ofroot rotting decreased (Plate-l).
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
6
Stem: Exudation of reddish brown viscous fluid from the basal portions of the stem is the firstvisible symptom of the disease in the affected palm (Plate-2). By that time, the rotting wouldhave progressed from the bole to the basal portion of stem. The bleeding patches begin fromthe base and extend up to 3 meters upwards as the disease progresses. The internal tissues ofthe affected stem turn brown in colour and rotting in the stem can be seen up to the height ofbleeding. In advanced stages, basal portion of the stem decays completely. In some palms,the bark from the base of the stem peels off. Occasionally, some infected palms do not showbleeding symptoms. Sporophores of the fungus, Ganoderma lucidum, appear at the base ofthe affected trunk (Plate-3) in palms prior to wilting or just after the death of the palm (Plate-4).
Leaves: The leaflets exhibit wilting symptoms and outer one or two whorls of leavesturn yellow. Later, they exhibit light to moderate browning followed by drooping and drying.As the disease advances, the remaining leaves also droop down in quick succession and thespindle alone remains. Under prolonged infection, the outer leaves fall off one by one, leavingonly the spindle with a few unhealthy leaves around. The spindle leaves which emergesubsequently are reduced in size and do not unfold properly. Production of new leaves isdelayed. Leaves break off near the base along the midrib. In certain cases, soft rot sets in thebud resulting in loss of humidity and death of cells due to break down of conducting elements.The affected bud emits a foul smell and in advanced stages, the crown is blown off leavingthe decapitated stem. Stem shrivels and dries up (Plate-4).
Plate -2 : Bleeding symptom ondiseased coconut palm
Plate -3 : Sporophores ofGanoderma
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
7
FLOWERS
Normal development of flowers and bunches isarrested with the progress of the disease. The leaves droopdown resulting in hanging down of the subtendedbunches. This leads to button shedding. The nuts becomebarren. Most of the palms bear profusely, just prior toand at the time of initiation of symptoms. In severelydiseased palms, whole nut weight, kernel weight, watercontent, copra weight and oil content decreased verymuch.
The time taken from the initial appearance of bleedingpatches on the stem to the death of the palm varies from6 to 54 months, the average being 24 months. The scolytidbeetle, Xyleborus perforans and the weevil, Diocalandrastigmaticollis are found infesting the stem in large numberof the bleeding patches. These insects accelerate the deathof the palm.
Plate - 4: Dead palmETIOLOGY
The basal stem rot pathogens, Ganoderma applanatum (Plate-5) and G.lucidum (Plate-6)were isolated from brackets, root tissues and from the stem tissues beneath the base of thebracket formation.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The disease is mostly prevalent in sandy soils and where coconut gardens are raised underrainfed conditions. Lack of soil moisture during summer months, presence of old infectedstumps in the garden, injury to roots and non-adoption of recommended cultural practicesfavoured the disease spread. The spread of the disease was found to be negatively correlatedwith total rainfall and number of rainy days.
PLATE- 5 & 6: BASAL STEM ROT DISEASE PATHOGENS
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
8
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
Isolation of native biocontrol agents: Soil samples were collected from rhizosphereregions in coconut gardens of coastal agro ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh. Trichoderma specieswas isolated by adopting serial dilution technique and the Trichoderma spp were identified asT.viride, T.harzianum and T.hamatum (Plate-7). Trichoderma spp population was found in allthe types of soil i.e., red, sandy and black soil, existing in Andhra Pradesh.
Studies on Trichoderma spp: Trichoderma spp growth was found to be maximum andcontinuous on PDA while the growth was restricted and was in discontinuous fashion on maltextract media. No difference in mycelial growth (90 mm growth) of Trichoderma spp wasrecorded at pH levels namely 3.9,4.6,5.6,6.6,7.6,8.3 except 8.9. Sporulation was noticed atall the pH ranges. This indicates the wide adaptability of Trichoderma spp to different soils.Seven day old culture of Trichoderma was grown faster on PDA and covered total plate (90mm) after 3 days. Where as 15 day old culture of Trichoderma covered 90mm only after 7days at room temperature (30°c). No difference in mycelial growth of Trichoderma on PDAwas observed when exposed to total light, alternating light and darkness complete darkness(Table-l).
Antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp on Ganoderma spp: In dual culture technique,T.viride, T.harzianum and T.hamatum were found to inhibit the mycelial growth ofG.applanatum and G.lucidum on PDA under in vitro conditions (Plate-8 & 9). Among thethree species of Trichoderma tested, maximum suppression was noted with T.harzinaum toan extent of 72% in G.applanatum, 75 per cent in G.lucidum over control (Table-2 & Fig-l).This finding shows the biocontrol potentiality of native Trichoderma spp on Ganoderma spp,the pathogens of basal stem rot.
Plate - 7: Native Trichoderma spp
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
9
Plate - 8 : Efficacy of native Trichoderma sppon Ganoderma applanatum
Plate - 9 : Efficacy of native Trichoderma sppon G.Lucidum
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
10
T.vi
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T.ha
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mat
umT.
vir
T.ha
rT.
ham
Med
ia -
Pota
to D
extr
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Aga
r90
Con
tinuo
us90
Con
tinuo
us90
Con
tinuo
usY
esY
esY
es
Mal
t E
xtra
ct A
gar
90D
isco
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90 D
isco
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90 D
isco
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Yes
Yes
Yes
pH. 3
.9,4
.6,5
.6,6
.6,7
.6 &
8.3
9090
90Y
esY
esY
es
pH 8
.970
7070
Yes
Yes
Yes
Age
of
cult
ure
-7 d
ays
old
9090
90Y
esY
esY
es
Age
of
cult
ure
-15
days
old
62.7
65.3
59.0
Yes
Yes
Yes
Len
gth
of li
ght
Com
plet
e lig
ht (
36 h
ours
)90
9090
Yes
Yes
Yes
Alte
rnat
ing
light
(18
h)
and
9090
90A
ltern
ate
Alte
rnat
eA
ltern
ate
dark
ness
(18
h)
Com
plet
e da
rkne
ss (
36 h
ours
)90
9090
No
No
No
Tabl
e-l:
Cul
tura
l cha
ract
ers
of T
rich
oder
ma
spp
Myc
elia
l gro
wth
of
Tri
chod
erm
a sp
paf
ter
3 da
ys (
mm
)Sp
orul
atio
n of
Tri
chod
erm
a sp
p
Cul
tura
l ch
arac
ter
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
11
Table-2: Antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp on Ganoderma spp
1. T.harzianum 10 (81.81)* 10 (84.61) + - Completemycoparasitism
2. T.hamatum 15 (72.72) 15 (76.92) + - Partialmycoparasitism
3. T.viride 20 (63.63) 10 (84.62) + - Yellow haloobserved
4. Control 55 65 --- --- ---
* Figures in parentheses are percent inhibition over control
Radial growth in mm Mode of actionAntagonistic Fungi(Trichoderma spp) G.applanatum G.luctdum
RemarksAntibiosis
(+ or -)
Mycopa-rasitism(+ or -)
Fig - 1: Inhibition effect of Trichoderma spp on Ganoderma sppunder in vitro conditions
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
12
Effect of volatile and non-volatile metabolites of Trichoderma spp on Ganoderma spp: All
the three species of Trichoderma were found to produce volatile and non-volatile metabolites
specific to both the Ganoderma spp. Iristudies on volatile metabolites (Table-3 & Fig-2),
positive correlation was observed between the inhibition of radial growth of both the
Ganoderma spp and the age of Trichoderma spp before exposure with maximum inhibition
by 20 day old culture of Trichoderma spp (28.42 to 46.42% inhibition). Regarding the non-
volatile metabolite production (Table-4 & Fig-3), among the three species of Trichoderma,
maximum inhibition in mycelial growth of both the spp of Ganoderma was obtained with
Trichoderma viride and greater inhibition was obtained with an increase in concentration of
the culture filtrate (7.14 to 57.0%)
Table-3: Effect of volatile metabolites of Trichoderma spp
against Ganoderma spp
Per cent inhibition at days before exposure
Treatments G.applanatum G.lucldum
0 10 20 0 10 20
T.viride 17.85b 25.00a 28.42a 36.56b 39.45b 42.40a
T.harzianum 14.28a 28.57b 46.42c 27.02a 32.43a 41.30a
T.hamatum 17.85b 25.00a 35.71b 35.13b 39.37b 40.00a
Numbers in each column followed by the same letter are not significantly different.
Values represent the mean of 6 replicates.
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
13
Fig. 2: Effect of volatile metabolites of Trichoderma sppon Ganoderma spp
Table-4: Effect of non-volatile metabolites of Trichoderma sppagainst Ganoderma spp
% inhibition at various culture filtrate concentration
Treatments G.applanatum G.lucidum
10 20 50 100 10 20 50 100
T.viride 7.14a 28.57b 42.85c 43.00c 20.27b 50.75c 56.35c 57.00c
T.harzianum 7.85a 10.71a 21.42a 23.00a 6.75a 12.50a 16.20a 16.20a
T.hamatum 9.64b 10.71a 28.51b 30.35b 18.91b 22.00b 28.00b 28.00b
* Numbers in each column followed by the same letter are not significantly different.Values represent the mean of 6 replicates.
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
14
Compatibility of Trichoderma spp with fungicides & botanicals: Fu,ngicides viz., Copper
oxychloride (0.1 %), Bordeaux mixture (1 %), Bitertanol (0.1%), Tridemorph (0.1 %),
Hexaconazole (0.1 %), which were inhibitory to G.applanatum and G.lucidum were also found
to be inhibitory to T.viride, T.harzianum and T.hamatum under in vitro conditions (Table-5 &
Fig-4). This finding suggests the avoidance of indiscriminative use of fungicides against
basal stem rot. Among the nineteen plant extracts screened, garlic extract (10%) completely
inhibited the mycelial growth of T.viride, T.harzianum and T.hamatum under in vitro conditions
(Tab.le-5, Fig-4 & Plate-l0).
Fig. 3: Effect of non-volatile metabolites of Trichoderma sppon Ganoderma spp
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
15
Plate -10 : Effect of fungicides, chemicals & botanicals on Trichoderma viride
Table-5: Compatibility of commonly used agrochemica.ls with Trichodermaspp & Ganoderma spp under in vitro conditions
AgrochemicalslPlant Con. Per cent inhibition over control
Product (%) T.vir T.har T.ham G.app G.luc
Bordeaux Mixture 1.0 100 100 100 100 100
Copper oxychloride 0.3 100 100 100 100 100
Bitertanol 0.1 100 100 100 100 100
Tridemorph 0.1 100 100 100 100 100
Hexaconazole 0.1 100 100 100 100 100
Triademifon 0.1 100 100 100 100 100
Zinc Sulphate 2 22.22 44.44 22.22 100 100
Neem cake 2 0 0 0 6.19 6.87
Urea 1 0 0 0 5.31 4.58
Potash 2 0 0 0 4.42 3.05
Neem Oil 2 22.22 22.22 22.22 5.31 5.34
Garlic Extract 10.0 100 100 100 100 100
* Control - 90 90 90 56.5 65.5
* Mycelial growth in mm
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
16
Mass multiplication of biocontrol agents: Various substrates viz., coconut leafbits, coconut
coir, oil palm stem bits, oil palm leafbits, farm yard manure, seeds of redgram, bajra,
bengalgram, wheat grains, 30% neem cake and 7% neem cake were tested for mass
multiplication of T.viridr, T.harzianunt and T.ltaniatlon under in vitro conditions. Mass
multiplication studies indicated that maximum growth of three spp of Trichoderma was
recorded on neem cake, wheat grains followed by on FYM (Table-6 & Plate-11). It was
interesting to note that neem cake restricted the growth of both the species of Ganoderma.
Fig. 4 : Compatibility of commonly used agrochemicals with
Trichoderma spp & Ganoderma spp
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
17
Plate -11 : Mass multiplication of Trichoderma spp on Neem cake
Table-6 : Substrate for Mass Multiplication of Trichoderma spp
Compatibility among Trichoderma spp: Dual culture technique was employed among the
Trichoderma spp (Trichoderma viride & T.harzianum, Trichoderma harzianum & T.hamatum
and Trichoderma viride & T.hamatum) to test the compatibility among the Trichoderma spp
under in vitro conditions. No inhibition among the Trichoderma spp was recorded.
Mycelial Growth (after 7 days)
Substrate
T.viride T.harzianum T.hamatum G.applanatum G.lucidum
Neem Cake +++ +++ +++ --- ---
FYM ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
Wheat grains +++ +++ +++ ++ ++
Coconut coir --- --- --- --- ---
Coconut dry --- --- --- --- ---leaf powder
Poultry manure --- --- --- --- ---
---No growth, + Slight growth, ++ Moderate growth, +++ Maximum growth
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
18
Talc formulation of Trichoderma spp:
Talc formulations of native Trichoderma spp viz., Trichoderma viride,
T.harzianum and T.hamatum were developed under laboratory conditions by
multiplying the bioagent on potato dextrose broth and incubating at room
temperature for 7 days. The cultures were transferred to talc powder (carry
material) at 1 : 2 ratio along with 1% Carboxy methyl cellulose (Plate-12). This
talc formulation of Trichoderma spp was used for field experimental studies.
Protocol for Talc formulation of Trichoderma spp
Trichoderma spp multiplication on Potato Dextrose Broth
Incubate at room temperature for 7 days
Homogenation of Mycelial mat of 'Trichoderma spp
Mix homogenate with talc powder at 1 : 2 ratio,
Add carboxy methyl cellulose (5 g/kg)
Shade dry the talc Trichoderma mixture at room temperature
Talc formulation of Trichoderma spp
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
19
Plate-12: Talc formulation of Trichoderma spp
Biocontrol of basal stem rot of coconut: To test the efficacy of native
Trichoderma viride under field conditions, experiments were conducted during
the year 2000-01 and 2001-02. Among the various treatments evaluated, a
combination of T.viride (50 g of talc formulation) with neem cake @ 5 kg/palm/
year was found to be effective in checking the spread of the disease (26.05 cm),
followed by root feeding with 100 ml of 1 % Hexaconazole per palm + neem
cake (5 kg)/palm/year (31.25 cm) and root feeding with 100 ml of 2% Tridemorph
+ T.viride 50 g + Neem cake (5 kg) / palm / year (37.35 cm). The control palms
recorded a mean disease spread of 80.25 cm (Table-7 & Fig-5).
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
20
In another field experiments conducted during the years 2002-03 & 2003-04 with
native biocontrol agents as talc formulation indicated that all the three Trichoderma
spp viz., T.viride, T.harzianum & T.hamatum were found to be highly effective in
controlling the spread of basal stem rot disease in coconut when applied in combination
with 5 kg neem cake. The vertical spread of disease being 12.6,16.9 and 17.8 cm in 50
g T.hamatum + 5kg neem cake, T.harzianum + 5 kg Neem cake and T.viride + 5 kg
neem cake applied treatments respectively. The biocontrol agents performed better
when applied in combination with neem cake (5 kg) than when used in combination
with FYM (100 kg). The control palms recorded a disease spread of 74.4 cm (Table-8
& Fig-5). This finding highlights the field efficacy of native Trichoderma spp against
basal stem rot, as this strategy happens to be a low cost, farmer feasible and ecofriendly
technology to manage basal stem rot disease of coconut.
Table-7: Management of basal stem rot disease
Mean vertical Treatments / palm / year spread (cm)
2000-01 2001-02 Mean
T1
Root feeding with 100 m12% Trideomorph 38.1 43.2 40.65per palm at Quarterly interval.
T2
T1 + 5 kg Neem cake 42.5 48.7 45.60
T3
T.viride 50 g + Neem cake 5 kg 22.0 30.1 26.05
T4
Root feeding with 100 ml 1% Hexaconazole 47.3 52.4 49.85per palm at Quarterly interval.
T5
T4 + Neem cake 5 kg 28.2 34.3 31.25
T6
T1 + T
335.4 39.3 37.35
T7
T3 + T
440.5 42.1 41.30
T8
Control 77.6 82.9 80.25
CD (p=0.05) 4.7 5.2 ---
* Mean of three replications with 3 pahris per replication
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
21
Population of native Trichoderma spp in Ganoderma sick soil: Population density of
Trichoderma in rhizosphere soil collected from different biocontrol treatments imposed
to coconut palms existing in Ganoderma sick soil (Table-9 & Fig-5) indicated that
maximum increase in the population density of Trichoderma hamatum (up to 240.7 x
103 cfu g-l soil), T.harzianum (up to 212.3 x 103 cfu g-l soil) and T.viride (up to 209.7 x
103 cfu g-l soil) when these biocontrol agents were applied in combination with 5 kg
neem cake. While, the increase in population density of Trichoderma spp was only
from 79.3 to 92.7 x 103 cfu g-l soil when applied in combination with farmyard manure
as against very low in treatments where Trichoderma spp applied alone (from 26.7 x
103 to 29.0 x 103 cfu g-l soil) and in untreated control (10.0 x 103 cfu g-l soil).
Table-8: Efficacy of native Trichoderma spp on basal stem rot
Treatments per palm Mean vertical spread (cm)
2002-03 2003-04 Afean
T1
Trichoderma viride (50 g) 70.4 59.0 64.7
T2
Trichoderma harzianum (50 g) 72.3 62.3 67.3
T3
Trichoderma hamatum (50 g) 72.5 62.7 67.6
T4
T.viride (50 g) + Neem Cake (5 kg) 18.9 16.7 17.8
T5
T.harzianum (50 g) + NC (5 kg) 18.4 15.3 16.9 .
T6
T.hamatum (50 g) + NC (5 kg) 13.9 11.3 12.6
T7
T.viride (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 30.6 26.3 28.5
T8
T.harzianum (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 33.1 28.3 30.7
T9
T.hamatum (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 28.8 24.3 26.6
T10
Neem cake (5 kg) 23.2 19.7 21.4
T11
FYM (100 kg) 36.5 31.7 34.1
T12
Control 80.2 68.7 74.4
CD (p=0.05) 2.67 2.01 2.72
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
22
Table-9: Population of native Trichoderma spp in Ganoderma sick soil
Trichoderma spp populationTreatments (x 103 cfu g-l soil)
Initial Mid Final
T1
Trichoderma viride (50 g) 3.7 26.3 29.0
T2
Trichoderma harzianum (50 g) 4.7 31.0 37.7
T3
Trichoderma hamatum (50 g) 4.0 20.0 26.7
T4
T.viride (50 g) + Neem cake (5 kg) 3.7 199.7 209.7
T5
T.harzianum (50 g) + NC (5 kg) 5.0 214.0 212.3
T6
T.hamatum (50 g) + NC (5 kg) 4.3 240.7 240.7
T7
T.viride (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 4.0 72.3 79.3
T8
T.harzianum (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 3.7 78.3 84.7
T9
T.hamatum (50 g) + FYM (100 kg) 4.0 88.0 92.7
T10
Neem cake (5 kg) 4.0 36.0 37.7
T11
Farmyard Manure (100 kg) 4.7 60.3 69.3
T12
Control 4.0 9.0 10.0
CD (p=0.05) 0.144 1.98 1.97
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
23
Trichoderma spp population in coconut ecosystem: Studies were conducted to
enumerate the population of biocontrol agents i.e. Trichoderma viride, T.harzianum
and T.hamatum at various depths of soil. Population density of 110 x 103 cfu g-l soil
was detected in the rhizosphere region of coconut only next to that of mangoginger,
which recorded highest Trichoderma spp population of 140 x 103 cfu g-1 soil. However,
Turmeric and Oil palm recorded a population of 0.4 x 103 and 0.15 x 103 cfu g-1 soil in
their rhizosphere (Table-10)
Table-l0: Trichoderma spp population in coconut ecosystem
Trichoderma population (x 103 cfu g-1 soil)
Crop Non-rhizosphere
Rhizosphere Upper 15 cm 30 cm Meansurface depth depth
Mangoginger 140 12 6 4 7.33
Coconut 110 18 11 9 12.67
Coffee 100 0.6 0.05 0 0.22
Ginger 100 0.5 0 0 0.17
Banana 75 13 7 6 8.67
Cocoa 75 15 10 9 11.33
Lemongrass 60 3 1 0 1.33
Cinnamon 18 0.25 0.6 0.25 0.37
* Rice 16.5 0.65 0.05 0 0.23
Colocasia 7.25 0 0 0 0.00
Mango 1.65 7 12 20 13.00
Patchouli 0.65 0.65 0.05 0 0.23
Turmeric 0.4 0 0 0 0.00
Oilpalm 0.15 0.35 0.45 0.45 0.42
* Rice fields surrounded by coconut palms on bunds.
BIOCONTROL OF BASAL STEM ROT
24
The economic analysis indicates that coconut plantations can be protected fromdeadly basal stem rot disease just by spending an amount of Rs. 2,4001/- per acre peryear (Fig-6).
Fig-6: Ecocomic analysis of biocontrol package againstBSR disease (Rupees/acre (60 palms)
Economic analysis of biocontrol package:
Biocontrol package Cost /palm
Cost/acre(60 palms)
1. Application of talc formulation of T. viride (50 g) incombination with 5 kg neem cake / palm / year.
40 2,400
Total 2,400
Quantity /palm Unitcost
Talc formulation of T.viride 50 g 7.50
Neem cake 5 kg 25.00
Labour charges for application Charges 7.50of formulation in basins
Total cost 40.00
1. The disease part of the garden should be isolated from healthy area by digging isolation
trench (1 m. deep and 0.5 m width).
2. Removal and burning of diseased and dead palms along with roots.
3. The pit for replanting should be filled up with a mixture of soil and farmyard manure in
equal quantities along with 50g of Trichoderma viride talck power + 1 kg neem cake.
4. Seedlings for new plantations should be raised in disease free fields.
5. Injury or damage to roots and pruning or cutting of roots should be avoided to prevent
infection through injured roots.
6. Since the disease is more severe in light soils with poor water holding capacity, raising
and ploughing in situ of green manure crops like Sunnhemp and Sesbania is advised
to increase soil organic matter and antagonistic microflora.
7. Selection of seedlings for new garden from Ganoderma infected soil should be avoided.
8. Frequent watering / irrigation should be done during summer months. While irrigating,
care should be taken to avoid flow of water from diseased trees to others. Basin system
or irrigation to individual palms should be adopted.
9. Talc formulation of Trichoderma vi ride (50g) in combination with 5 kg neem cake /
palm / year should be applied to all trees in garden whee diseased palms are noticed.
10. Even if one diseased palm is noticed in a garden, talc formulation of Trichoderma vi
ride (50 g) in combination with neem cake (5 kg) / palm / year should be imposed to all
the palms in the garden.
11. The biocontrol agent (Trichoderma viride) should not be applied in combination with
fungicides.
12. Application of fertilizers must be done as per recommendation.
Acknowledgement: The authors acknowledge the All India Coordinated Research Project
on Palms (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) CPCRI, Kasaragod for the financial support.
DEVELOPED BIOCONTROL BASED INTEGRATED DISEASEMANAGEMENT PACKAGE
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