PLANT PATHOLOGY

As early as 1915 work on disease management was initiated  by the Mysore Government.  In fact, during 1925, the Mysore Coffee Experimental Station was established with the opening of Plant Protection Division.  A separate Mycology Division was opened during 1946 which was subsequently up-graded to the present Plant Pathology Division during 1969.  The faculty is concentrating on management of diseases through cultural, chemical and biological methods. The biology, life cycle etc. of coffee pathogens is also being studied.  Periodic survey in plantations is also being undertaken for rendering advisory on possible disease outbreaks with a consequential upgrading of disease control recommendations. imparting training to growers, plantation managers and extension personnel is also being carried out.

SALIENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• A systemic fungicide, Plantvax 20 EC was tested and recommended against leaf rust disease of coffee.

• Bayleton 25 EC, another systemic fungicide, is being recommended against leaf rust.

• The pH of Bordeaux mixture was standardized for spray against coffee leaf rust.  Alkaline Bordeaux was found to be superior compared to neutral Bordeaux mixture.

• Cultural, morphological and virulence difference among the isolates of Koleroga noxia was established.

• Carbendazim ( Bavistine 50 WP ) was assessed as an effective fungicide against Black rot.

• Casual organism of Anthracnose of coffee was diagnosed.

• Remedial measures for four types of root diseases were identified.  Soil drenching of fungicides was recommended in its management.

• Coffee blight was identified for the first time at Biligiri hills, Karnataka during 1982.  Foltaf 80WP was found effective after trials were conducted.

• Aerobiological studies were conducted for disease forecasting.

• Use of biocontrol agents Trichoderma sp. for root rot disease management was standardised.

• Ceratocystis fimbriata was identified as casual agent of Stem canker disease of coffee in Karnataka.  Studies are in progress.

ON-GOING PROGRAMMES

• Developing integrated disease management of coffee leaf rust.

• Study on collateral hosts and evolving spray schedule against coffee diseases.

• Updating disease control recommendation.

THRUST AREAS

• Focus on integrated management of different diseases of coffee.

• Evolving remedial measures for stem canker disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata.