Sclerotium rot - a new disease of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India

A new type of bean rot affecting vanilla beans was observed in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) growing tracts of Moovattupuzha in Emakulam District (Kerala, India). The disease was characterized by rotting of bean bunches and subsequent development of thick fungal mat over the bean surface. The causal organism was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii; the fungus was brought into pure culture and its pathogenicity was proved. This is the first report of the fungus on vanilla from India. &nbsp

Sclerotium rot - a new disease of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India

A new type of bean rot affecting vanilla beans was observed in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) growing tracts of Moovattupuzha in Emakulam District (Kerala, India). The disease was characterized by rotting of bean bunches and subsequent development of thick fungal mat over the bean surface. The causal organism was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii; the fungus was brought into pure culture and its pathogenicity was proved. This is the first report of the fungus on vanilla from India. &nbsp

Fungal and bacterial diseases of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) and their management

Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is susceptible to a number of diseases due to fungi, bacteria and viruses. Twenty six different types of diseases have been reported of which only a few have been considered as major causing severe crop losses. The major diseases of fungal origin are 'azhukal' (capsule rot) caused by Phytophthora meadii, rhizome rot (clump rot) and seedling rot (damping ofD caused by Phythium vexans, leaf blight caused by Phytophthora meadii, leaf blotch caused by Phaeodactylium alpiniae and leaf spots by Eercospora sp., and Sphaceloma cardamomi, leaf rust by Phakospora elettariae, brown spot by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides etc. Most of the diseases occur during the South West monsoon period where heavy rain coupled with high relative humidity predisposes the plant to infection. Since the occurrence and spread of diseases are correlated to weather conditions, integrated disease management strategy adopting cultural, chemical and biological control methods are highly suitable to save the crop from heavy losses. &nbsp

Phytophthora rot - a new disease of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India

A severe rot disease affecting beans, leaves and stems of Vanilla planifolia was observed during the South West monsoon season at Koothattukulam and surrounding areas (Emakulam District, Kerala, India). The causal organism was identified as Phytophthora meadii and its pathogenicity was proved. This is the first report of Phytophthora disease of vanilla in India. &nbsp

Mosaic disease of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) - the first report from India

Recent disease surveys revealed the occurrence of a mosaic disease in vanilla. The infected plants showed mosaic symptoms, distortion of leaves, leaf curling etc. which are typical symptoms of viral infection. Negative staining of the leaf sap with potassium phosphotungstic acid, uranyl acetate and ammonium molybdate revealed the presence of flexuous rod shaped viral particles. This is the first report of occurrence of viral disease in vanilla from India. &nbsp

Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. for the control of seedling rot disease of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton)

Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum were evaluated as seed dressing prior to sowing of seeds and as soil application in nursery beds at the time of transplanting cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seedlings for the control of seedling rot or damping off caused by Pythium vexans. Coating of seeds with Trichoderma spp. did not alter the percentage of germination but reduced the percentage of damping off in sick soil. Soil drenching of Trichoderma spp. mascerates 1 week prior to transplanting of seedlings in sick soils was effective in reducing seedling mortality compared to Trichoderma application after transplanting or as seedling dip. &nbsp

Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. for the control of seedling rot disease of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton)

Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum were evaluated as seed dressing prior to sowing of seeds and as soil application in nursery beds at the time of transplanting cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seedlings for the control of seedling rot or damping off caused by Pythium vexans. Coating of seeds with Trichoderma spp. did not alter the percentage of germination but reduced the percentage of damping off in sick soil. Soil drenching of Trichoderma spp. mascerates 1 week prior to transplanting of seedlings in sick soils was effective in reducing seedling mortality compared to Trichoderma application after transplanting or as seedling dip. &nbsp