Abstract

Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) infected with dieback disease is considered as one of the most severe problems in Asia, especially in Pakistan. Some fungi including Fusarium solani are thought to be a causative organism for this epidemiological problem. In our previous studies, we recognized for the first time, F. solani as an etiological agent for theD. sissoo dieback in Sindh province of Pakistan. In the present work, evaluation of the effects of some available fungicides on in vitro growth of F. solani isolated from D. sissoowas studied. Three methods were used for fungicides application; that is, in vitro mycelial growth, spray and soil amended with inoculated D. sissoo seedlings. The results showed that fungicides Ridomil Gold and Dithane M-45 significantly reduced the mycelial growth ofF. solani at high concentrations, as compared to copper oxychloride and antracol and the control. When used as spray, all the fungicides increased the growth of inoculated D. sissoo seedling as compared to the soil amended samples.

Key words: Dalbergia sissoo, dieback, fungicides, Fusarium solani, in vitro.