Evaluation of different IDM components for the management of cowpea anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum dematium (Pers.) Grove

IDM components were evaluated for the management of cowpea anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum dematium. Among the six bioagents evaluated maximum mycelial growth inhibition (46.8%) was observed with T. harzianum (JMA-4). This bioagent, was also found most effective when applied as seed treatment and/or soil application and gave better seed germination and disease control. Forty nine genotypes of cowpea were evaluated for their resistance but none was found resistant, however, 21 genotypes were found moderately resistant to disease. Disease severity was observed higher in early sown crop (5^th June) with less row spacing (30 cm) as compared to late sown crop (3^rd July) and more row spacing (60 cm). For seed treatment, fungicides viz; Vitavax (carboxin 75 WP), Vitavax power (carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5%), Thiram (thiram 75 DS) @ 2.5 g/kg seed were tested, where as Indofil M-45 (mancozeb 75 WP) @2.5g/l, Bavistin (carbendazim50 WP) @ 0.5g/l and Companion (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63%) @ 2.5g/l were evaluated for foliar sprays individually and in combinations with seed treatment. Seed treatment with Vitavax power followed by three foliar sprays of Companion found best among all the treatments and gave maximum disease control (63.9%) and increase in grain yield (91.7%) as compared to control.