Phylloplane Microflora of Potato as influenced by Fungicides

Phylloplane microflora - that included pathogenic fungi as well - changes with the age, variety and location of the crop. Application of fungicides affected the quantity and type of leaf exudates. Besides, fungicides also selectively eliminate the non-target microflora which might resulted in the disease pattern. Effect of fungicides viz., Ridomil MZ, Blitox-50 and Dithane M-45 on the phylloplane microflora of potato was studied. An initial drop of microflora population was observed in most fungicides' treated plants. However, in all cases microbial population increased subsequently. The three fungicides affected microflora differently. Some of the resident fungal species were displaced.