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Integrated Management of Phytophthora Foot Rot of Black Pepper
Black pepper is affected by a multitude of pests and diseases which are identified as major production constraints. Of these, foot rot (quick wilt) caused by a soil borne fungus (Phytphthora capsici) is a disease of importance. The disease can assume epidemic proportion causing extensive damage to the crop. Studies conducted at the institute showed that complete death of vines ranges from 11- 30% in northern districts of Kerala. Absence of high degree of host resistance, susceptibility of all plant parts and prolonged climatic factors are highly conducive for disease development; all these render disease management an onerous task.

Conventionally, the disease control is achieved through extensive use of copper based fungicides like Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride and Ridomil. However the common contention is that chemical application alone is not a total remedy to the disease. Besides, there is an increasing awareness among all stakeholders that fungicides and other chemicals have undesirable affects on environment, beneficial soil microbes and earthworms and when regularly used leads to the development of resistance in pathogens.

A survey under the National Agricultural Research Project (1992) reported that only 23% of the growers adopted the then recommended chemical control measures grossly due to lack of awareness among farmers about scientific plant protection measures. Further the survey identified a critical research gap highlighting the need for evolving ‘more effective measures’ to combat the important pests and diseases in black pepper. Realising these, there has been a dominant shift in disease management paradigms towards integrated control methods. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) is a set of practices designed to avoid economic losses from pests and pathogens while at the same time minimising the use of agro chemicals.

It is a holistic approach that considers every aspect of farm management on pathogens as well as beneficial organisms. Biological control of pathogens combined with minimal application of chemicals and cultural operations are the integral components of IDM. Replacement of chemical treatments with biocontrol agents not only reduces the input of chemicals but also proves to be more ecofriendly and effective in disease control. Biological control is defined as the reduction of the amount of inoculum and disease producing activity of a pathogen accomplished by or through one or more organisms other than man.
 
Through research at Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), microorganisms from pepper fields were isolated and their efficacy as biocontrol agents was studied. A germplasm of such bioagents is maintained at the institute. The disease suppressive role of two fungal sp. Trichoderma harzianum and Gliocladium virens in black pepper-P.capsici systems was established in pot culture as well as in the field.

In a preliminary evaluation study sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, biocontrol in field showed a reduced mortality rate (16.5%) compared to untreated vines (38.5%). Continued field trials were conducted in Kodagu District of Karnataka covering four estates in different locations and a total of 16395 vines raised in coffee plantations. The results indicated that there was a reduction in mortality by 34.5% and yellowing symptoms by 32.3%.

A three year trial was taken up during 1996-1999 in a severely affected plantation in Pulpally where pepper was raised as a pure rainfed crop. Progressive reduction in computed disease index highlighted the efficacy of IDM. This programme was expanded in the form of large scale demonstrations in farmers’ plots in three states viz. Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh covering a total area of 2190 ha. Highlighting these results, a package was evolved for the integrated management of quick wilt involving biocontrol using Trichoderma culture along with cultural practices and controlled chemical application.

Facilities such as fermenter with 100 l capacity are provided at the institute for mass multiplication of Trichoderma sp. and to develop biologically based formulations and delivery systems. In the year 1998, institute initiated an action programme for popularisation of IDM among farmers for disease control in pepper by supplying biocontrol agents. During 1998-2001, bio control formulation was distributed to a total of 1084 farmers in Kerala and adjoining states (Table 1).
 
Table 1. Distribution of the biocontrol agent, Trichoderma spp. from IISR
Sl. No Year Quantity supplied (Kg) Amount realised No.Of beneficiaries
1 1999-2000 6911 (kg) 552880 603
2 2000-2001 4509 (kg) 460720 295
3 2001- 2002 2621 (kg) 186575 186
The flow chart of technology development and dessimination process is depicted in figure 1
FIGURE 1
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF FOOT ROT TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AT IISR
  • Isolation of microorganisms from pepper field
  • Lab testing for efficacy as bio agents
  • Maintenance of germplasm of bioagents
  • Testing disease suppressive role of microbes in pot culture
  • Field trials and evaluation
  • Demonstrations in farmers’ plots
  • Mass multiplications of prospective bioagents
  • Entrepreneurship development and distribution to farmers