Periconia Leaf Spotting and Blight of Hevea brasiliensis - a New Disease from India

Leaf spotting and blight of Hevea brasiliensis (N.B.K.) Muell. Arg. caused by Periconia manihoticola (Vincens) Viegas is a new disease reported for the first time from India. The pathogen attacks the young seedlings and causes significant damage to the foliage and premature defoliation. Cool nights and dew favour the development of the disease in shaded beds. The absence of the disease in beds fully exposed to the sun indicates that it can be checked or averted by establishing the nurseries in open areas. A laboratory bioassay of fungicides showed that Bavistin and Dithane M-45 are quite effective as the fungus failed to grow altogether in the presence of these fungicides.