Efficacy of Integrated Disease Management Practices against Rhizome Rot in Banana (Musa spp.) under Field Conditions
Manju Vani Valluru
*
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghantasala, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 521133, India.
Sudha Rani Daneti
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghantasala, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 521133, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Rhizome rot and pseudostem rot, caused primarily by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, have become major bacterial diseases affecting banana cultivation in India, particularly during the post-rainy season. These diseases can cause yield losses ranging from 40–70% in severely affected fields, resulting in significant economic damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an Integrated Disease Management (IDM) approach for controlling these diseases and improving productivity under field conditions.
Place and Duration of Study: A two-year field demonstration was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghantasala, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, in naturally infested fields to simulate real-farm conditions.
Methodology: The IDM strategy combined preventive and curative measures, including the use of healthy, disease-free suckers, treatment of planting material, establishment of proper drainage facilities, and adoption of recommended cultural practices. Biological control agents, such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, were applied at the plant base to suppress pathogen activity, while selective chemical treatments were integrated as needed. These measures collectively aimed to reduce disease incidence, improve plant health, and enhance yield.
Results: IDM-treated plots showed significantly lower rhizome rot incidence (9.15%) compared to control plots (14.5%) and higher yields (47.08 t/ha versus 41.87 t/ha). Economic analysis revealed higher net returns of Rs. 2,02,838/- with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.56 in IDM plots, compared to Rs. 1,41,488/- and a BCR of 1.98 in control plots. The study demonstrates that IDM is an effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach for managing bacterial rhizome and pseudostem rot in banana. Adoption of these integrated practices can significantly reduce disease incidence, enhance yield and profitability, and provide practical solutions for banana growers in disease-prone regions.
Keywords: Pseudo stem, rhizome rot, banana, bacteria, erwinia, biocontrol agents