“Studies on Corm Rot of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)”

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an important cash crop. The incidence of corm rot ranged from 4.00-42.00 per cent and intensity from 0.8 - 17.46 per cent. Three species of Fusarium viz. F. solani, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum along with nematodes were found to be invariably involved in causing corm rot. The occurrence of three pathogenic species of Fusarium varied with the stages of crop development F. solani at digging and harvesting stage, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum in storage. Interaction of F. solani nematodes showed a highest incidence of 50.00 per cent and intensity of 14.66 per cent compared to check. Three management practices using non-chemical and non-hazardous organic amendments, bioagent and soil solarization reduced incidence of the disease with organic amendments showing corm rot incidence of 23.33 – 40.00 per cent compared to 50.00 per cent in check and saffron yield was enhanced from 10.00 – 75.00 per cent. Similarly bioagents also reduced the intensity of corm rot with Trichoderma viride giving maximum control and showing an intensity of 13.33 per cent compared to 27.33 per cent in check. Six weeks soil solarization reduced corm rot incidence 52.2 per cent during 2000 and 41.9 per cent during2001 season. All the approaches have significantly affected in reducing the corm rot and increasing the yield. However, an integrated approach of soil solarization after irrigation and addition of FYM/ poultry manure in the ratio 4:1 was best treatment