Promising Combination Systemic Fungicides in Combating Basal Stem Rot Disease of Coconut

Basal stem rot disease is the most challenging disease in coconut crop, caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Combating the disease with new generation fungicides is a viable strategy for the promising disease control. Single and combination of new systemic fungicides in different commercial formulations were tested against the Ganoderma lucidum. Under in vitro study at 100, 250 and 500 ppm concentrations. The results revealed that Hexaconazole 4% + Carbendazim 16% SC, Hexaconazole 5% + Validamycin 2.5%SC and Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC W/W were found superior in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Ganoderma as compared to other fungicides. Per cent inhibition indicated the effectiveness of potent fungicides against the pathogen even at lower concentration.