Identification of charcoal rot resistant lines of Sesamum indicum and chemical management of Macrophomina phaseolina

Charcoal rot is one of the most destructive disease which causes heavy loss in sesame. Macrophomina phaseolina was identified as pathogen of charcoal rot disease on the basis of morphological studies and pathogenicity. Among the evaluated sesame cultivars, none of the cultivars showed complete resistance against M. phaseolina. Only one entry PKDS-91 was found as moderately resistant to charcoal rot. Three entries (OSC-366-I, SSD-2-I and OSC-79) were recorded as moderately susceptible. Out of different fungicides evaluated under in vitro conditions against M. phaseolina; vitavax power and penflufen gave 100% inhibition at 500 ppm while tricyclazole gave 100% inhibition at 1000 ppm while other fungicides were less effective. The field evaluation of different fungicides indicated that vitavax power gave highest seed germination and less pre and post emergence mortality, and yield loss, whereas the sesame seeds treated with vitavax power alongwith one foliar application of carbendazim was found most effective for enhancing seed germination and reducing pre, post emergence mortality and losses in yield of sesame.