In-vitro Evaluation of New Generation Fungicides in the Management of Anthracnose of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Abstract

Biotic stress has been a major constraint in the cultivation for mungbean growers throughout these years. Colletotrichum species complex, the causative agent of anthracnose in mungbean, results in severe yield loss mainly in Asia, South America, Australia and Sub-Saharan Africa. To address this issue, a methodical survey was carried out in major mungbean growing parts in Karnataka in 2023 to 2024. In the current study, new generation fungicides such as triazoles, strobilurins and combinations, at three concentrations viz., 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 per cent were evaluated in vitro to test the efficacy against the pathogen using poison food technique. Among the eight fungicides tested, Propiconazole 25% EC, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tricyclazole 18% + Mancozeb 62% WP showed cent per cent inhibition in the pathogen mycelium growth at all three concentrations. Fluxapyroxad 21.26% + Pyraclostrobin 21.26% SC showed cent per cent inhibition at 0.15 and 0.20 per cent concentration. The least efficacy was showed by Azoxystrobin 23% SC with 49.75 per cent mean inhibition. However, the targeted mechanism of action in case of single systemic fungicides increases the likelihood of resistance evolution in pathogen populations by mutations and adaptive selection. The combination fungicides will offer more effective control by targeting multiple biochemical pathways in the pathogen. Hence, it will be better for farmers to adopt combination fungicides such as Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tricyclazole 18% + Mancozeb 62% WP which showed cent per cent inhibition in this study. Their dual mode of action, which not only improves disease suppression but also reduces the likelihood of resistance development, makes them a more reliable and effective option for long-term disease management.