Management of root-rot of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in field through fungicides

Abstract

In an experiment conducted during 1989-92, 6 fungicides and their combinations were tested in different doses for the management of root-rot of sugarbeet (Bela vulgaris L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. Carboxin (Vitavxt) and tolclofosmethyl (Rizolex) applied as soil drench @ 5 kg/ha at 70 and 100 days gave good control of the disease (75%), increasing the root yield up to 350% and sugar up to 350%. They gave a cost: benefit ratio 1.9 and 1.6 respectively among the other tested fungicides, though the increased in dose @ 10 kg/ha gave highest results in disease control with poor cost: benefit ratio 1.5 to 1.2 respectively. Carboxin + captan (50% each), carboxin + carbendazim (50% each) and carboxin + thiram (50% each) @ 5 kg/ha also reduced the disease infection by 40-55%, giving cost; benefit ratio 2, whereas thiram + captan, captan + carbendazim and thiram + carbendazim combinations reduced the disease intensity by 25-30%.