Severity and management of Die-back and bark canker (Botryodiplodia theobromae) of pear in Punjab

Die-back and bark canker of pear caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae was investigated in Punjab during 2005 and, 2006. The intensity of die-back varied from 20.8 to 29.0 per cent where as the incidence of bark canker varied from 62.2 to 100.0 per cent on pear cultivars viz., Patharnakh, Baggugosha and Punjab Beauty in different pear growing areas of Punjab during 2005 and 2006. The average number of lesions and lesion size varied from 32.3 to 72.7 per tree and 17.5–39.1 x 3.7–16.5 cm, respectively. For the management of the disease, Neem oil based Bordeaux paint showed the highest wound healing (84.44 and 87.50%) followed by Linseed oil based Bordeaux paint (1:2:3) (81.25 and 79.49%) during 2005 and 2006, respectively. Neem oil and Linseed oil based Blitox paints (1:2) also showed better results in wound healing as compared to Bordeaux and Blitox pastes which were least effective. However, all the formulations were significantly effective as compared to untreated control.