Management of Macrophomina phaseolina Infecting Sesame Germplasm

Abstract

Introduction: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop, grown worldwide as a rich source of premium quality edible oil. Charcoal rot of sesame is a major disease that causes drastic yield losses. This research was performed to access the management of Macrophomina phaseolina, cause of charcoal rot. Methods: The study involved evaluation of ten sesame genotypes to study their reaction towards charcoal rot disease. Fungicides were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The field experiments were carried out under randomized complete block (RCB) design whereas the laboratory experiment with completely randomized (CR) design. Results: Seven sesame lines exhibited moderate resistance to charcoal rot disease while three lines were moderately susceptible with 21-30% severity. Among fungicides, Nativo exhibited highest growth inhibition of M. phaseolina. Discussion: The results demonstrated that the resistance level of each sesame genotype and the most effective fungicide to manage the charcoal rot disease.