Management of Anthracnose and Root-knot Nematode Complex and Evolution of Resistance Source in Bitter Gourd

An experiment was conducted for the management of anthracnose-nematode complex using fungicides (Tbiram and Propiconazole), neem cake, glyricidia leaves, adulsa leaf extract, urea, wood saw dust and bioageht (Trichoderma viride) along with recommended doses of manures and fertilizers. The treatment comprising recommended doses of manures and fertilizers + soil application of neem cake + foliar sprays of adulsa leaf extract was found to be most effective against root-knot nematode. The treatment combination of recommended doses of manures and fertilizers + seed treatment with Thiram + soil application of glyricidia leaves + foliar sprays of Propiconazole was most effective against anthracnose. The same treatment recorded significantly higher seed yield (505.19 kg^ha) and minimum seed yield losses (22.27 %). Similarly, field screening, with eight varieties showed moderate resistance reaction to anthracnose. Six varieties were found susceptible while only one variety was highly susceptible to anthracnose. In case of root-knot nematode, only one variety showed resistance. Three varieties exhibited moderate resistance, seven varieties were susceptible and four varieties were highly susceptible to root-knot nematode. Variety DVBTG-1 was moderately resistant to anthracnose and resistant to root-knot nematode.