Evaluation of micronutrients for inhibition of Panama wilt disease pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) of Banana

The major losses of banana at present by Panama wilt disease pathogen of banana and its management is very typical because it is caused by a soil-borne pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense). The micronutrients are used to manage the disease as well as it provide the healthiness of plant and increases the fertility. The mechanism of healthiness of plant is achieved with micronutrients applied in the soil. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the micronutrients viz. Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Ammonium Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Nitrate, Borax and Potassium Chloride against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense causing Panama wilt of banana. The results of the study revealed that among the micronutrients used, Borax @ 500 and 750 ppm completely inhibited the mycelial growth of FOC followed by Zinc Sulfate (45.7, 42.6, 39.2 and 18.5 mm at 100, 250, 500 and 750 ppm, respectively). The incorporation of borax in the solid medium at higher concentrations viz., 500 and 750 ppm was very effective for the management of Panama wilt disease of banana.