Maximum Congenial Period for Outbreak of Die–Back and Scab Diseases in Citrus and Their Management under Sub–Tropical Region

Abstract

The popularity of lemon (Citrus limon L.) is a popular fruit in throughout the world is increasing especially for the major source of vitamins C and minerals. However, the production of citrus across globe is severely affected due to the infection of scab and dieback diseases. Since these two diseases are considered as major diseases of citrus. The present study was therefore carried out to find out the maximum congenial periods of two diseases such as scab and dieback and their adverse effect of citrus production. The study also highlights the mitigation strategies of the diseases scab and dieback for sustainability of citrus production in sub–tropical countries. To find out the effective management of these diseases, mustard oil cake, urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), murate of potash (MOP), cowdung, ‘Bavistin’ (fungicide), irrigation, and pruning alone or combined on citrus die–back and scab disease. After observation, the present study noticed that the sub–tropical countries like Bangladesh, generally heavy rainfall is occurred in the monsoon (April to July) with temperature 25–30°C, which is congenial period for the outbreak of die–back and scab disease. Considering on controlling efficiency of all management approaches, die–back and scab infection was found the lowest, when mustard oil cake was applied, followed cow dung, pruning and in combination of mustard oil cake and urea, TSP, MOP, and the combination of mustard oil cake and cowdung. While, fungicide ‘Bavistin’ could not work well due to use of low quality chemicals available in the market or the disease causal organism have already developed resistance against the chemical used. Therefore, it may be recommended that application of mustard oil cake, urea, TSP, MOP, cowdung, irrigation and fungicide ‘Bavistin’ in alone or their combination may be suggested for better plant growth with the reduction of die–back and scab of citrus in sub–tropical countries like Bangladesh.