In vitro Evaluation of Fungicides Against Phyllosticta musarum and Helminthosporium torulosum Causing Leaf Spot Diseases in Banana

Leaf spot diseases of banana caused by P. musarum and H. torulosum damages the crop toa greater extent by reducing size and weight of bunch, thus becoming a major limiting factor in cultivation of banana. To mitigate these problem we have tested important chemicals for their efficacy in reducing the diseases. There was a significant difference among systemic and non systemic fungicides in inhibiting the growth of P. musarum. Among systemic fungicides tested, Propiconazole, Difenconazole and Triadimefon were found most effective in inhibiting the growth at all concentrations compared to Thiophanate methyl and Carbendazim were least. Among contact fungicides, Mancozeb recorded most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of both the fungus. Among the systemic fungicides tested against H.torulosaum, Companion (Carbendazim+Mancozeb) gave the 100% inhibition at all the concentrations tested, compared to Carbendazim and Thiophanate methy and contact fungicides like copper oxy chloride and Bitertanol at recorded significant inhibition at 1000 and 2000 ppm.