In Vitro Evaluation of Chemical Fungicides against Colletotrichum sp. causing Anthracnose Disease of Hot Pepper

Abstract

Anthracnose, caused by the Colletotrichum spp., is one of the most destructive diseases of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), causing yield losses of 10-80% in different production areas. To identify effective chemical options, anthracnose-infected hot pepper fruits collected from farmers' fields in Kakani, Nuwakot, and the pathogen was isolated. Five fungicides - Kingsin M (thiophanate methyl 70% WP), King's Care (tritloxystrobin + tebuconazole SC), Kingmil 72 (cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64% WP), Protector ZN (chlorothalonil 70% WP), and King's M 80 (mancozeb 80% WP) were evaluated in vitro at three concentrations (50, 100, and 200 ppm) using the poisoned food technique. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. King's Care completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum sp. at all concentrations, While Kingmil 72 showed complete inhibition at 200 ppm. Kingsin M and King's M 80 were highly effective at higher concentrations, whereas Protector ZN (chlorothalonil) was moderately effective. The results indicate that chemical options are available against the anthracnose, with King's Care being the most effective, followed by Kingmil 72. However, these fungicides are needed to be tested in vivo/field conditions to confirm their efficacy.