A new culm rot disease of bamboo in India and its management

Abstract

A new culm rot disease in bamboo caused by Pterulicium xylogenum is reported for the first time. The disease was recorded on three species of bamboo, i.e., Bambusa vulgaris var. waminii, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Gigantochloa sp. Nearly 45% of culms of B. vulgaris var. waminii and 36% of culms of Gigantochloa were found to be dead or dying due to the disease. The pathogenicity of the fungus was tested and proved. Bioassays were conducted with five fungicides: except Captan all were found effective in inhibiting the growth of P. xylogenum, even at 0.025%. The disease can be controlled to an appreciable level by spraying and drenching with a mixture of 0.05% copper oxychloride and carbendazim (a.i. by weight).