Management of Yellowing (Phytopthora capsici) in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Using Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs)
R. Girish *
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navile, Shivamogga, India and Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Rudra Gouda F C
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navile, Shivamogga, India and Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
C. Sunil
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navile, Shivamogga, India and Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Manjunath B Kudari
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navile, Shivamogga, India and Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
H. R. Shruthi
ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navile, Shivamogga, India and Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Phytophthora foot rot caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the most destructive diseases of black pepper, causing severe yield loss and vine mortality in major pepper-growing regions. A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different fungal-bacterial consortia (PGPMs) against Phytophthora capsici in black pepper along with farmers' practices. Three commercial biopesticides were tested and natural infection due to P. capsici was recorded. Per cent yellowing of vines was recorded at a monthly interval and the means were pooled for two years during 2024-25 & 2025-26. Among the different PGPMs, drenching with PGPR 1 & 2 was found to be the most effective with 29.77% reduction in yellowing. It was followed by IISR-PGPR capsule with 18.76% disease intensity and the highest disease incidence was found in IIHR Arka microbial consortium with 13.18%. While the farmers' practice with the application of COC fungicide was superior against Phytophthora infection and found better than the PGPMs. Soil application of a talc-based formulation of the PGPM consortium at a rate of 50 g per vine significantly reduced the severity of Phytophthora infection in black pepper and demonstrated its potential as an effective management strategy within organic farming systems.
Keywords: Black pepper, phytophthora foot rot, new generation fungicides, biopesticides, microorganisms