STUDY ON LEAF BLIGHT DISEASE (PSEUDOMONAS SP) OF LITCHI (LITCHI CHINENSIS) IN SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH AND IT'S MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The existing health situation of seedlings of litchi and management strategies of nursery diseases of seedlings of litchi species in the country is in a stage to be upgraded for successful fruit production to meet the national demand. Four experiments were carried out during 2010 to 2012 to study the status of leaf blight on seedlings of litchi, effect of weather parameters on the incidence of seedling diseases of litchi in different growing areas of Bangladesh with development of an environment friendly disease management practice. Important plant pathogen Pseudomonas sp was detected and identified by morphological study and by different biochemical test. Incidence and severity of leaf blight of litchi at seedling stage were studied and significant variations were observed that depends on weather factors. Occurrence of leaf blight was correlated with temperature, rain fall and relative humidity. Comparative effectiveness of BAU-biofungicide applied in the soil at the time of pot preparation as well as foliar spray and three fungicide viz. Indofil M-45, Bavistin 50 WP and Cupravit 50 WP were evaluated on litchi against leaf blight in the nursery. Among the treatments applied, Cupravit 50 WP showed better result in controlling leaf blight of litchi. BAU-Biofungicide, is also used as an alternate to chemicals can successfully be used.