In vitro evaluation of different fungicides against the fusarium wilt of carnation (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi)

Carnation wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi is the most serious disease of the carnation crop causing considerable economic losses. Wilt of carnation is a soil-borne disease and these diseases are difficult to control due to complex soil eco-system. In the present study efficacy of three non-systemic and six systemic fungicides was evaluated under in vitro conditions against the wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi). Among non-systemic fungicides, Saaf (Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63%) was found most effective with average inhibition of 60.19 per cent in mycelial growth of the wilt pathogen. Among systemic fungicides, Bavistin was found most effective with 92.04 per cent average inhibition in mycelial growth while Systhane was found least effective treatment with 25.68 per cent average inhibition in mycelial growth of the pathogen.