Evaluation of the incidence of pink disease in rubber plantations in Kanjirapally taluk, Kerala state

Abstract

A survey was conducted to study the intensity of the incidence of pink disease in Rubber Plantations of Kanjirapally Taluk, Kerala State. The clonal susceptibility, percentage of damage, control measures adopted by growers and recovery were also evaluated. Maximum incidence is noticed in RRII 105 and minimum in PB 235. The disease incidence is maximum in the 7th year . Bordeaux paste is the common fungicide used against this disease. But only few growers know the correct method of preparation and application of Bordeaux paste. Careless disposal of infected plant parts provide large inoculum for the spread of the disease. The growers fail to detect the disease sufficiently early to carry out effective control measures. Therefore need for an intensive extension education to create awareness in small growers about the disease and its timely control is evident from this study.