BIO-C: A NEW BIOFUNGICIDE TO CONTROL PINK DISEASE (CORTICIUM SALMONICOLOR) ON RUBBER PLANTS

Abstract

BIO-C is a biofungicide to control pink disease (Corticium salmonicolor B. et Br.) on rubber plant (Hevea brasiliensis). Pink disease becomes one of the important diseases especially in the areas with high humidity condition. It attacks rubber plants in high and moderate rainfall locations with higher plant density or canopy. The parts attacked are the branching regions and the stem close to the ground. The symptoms of pink disease are characterized by the presence of white mycelium which is like spider’s web, followed by pink bark necrosis. And release of latex that turn black on the surface of the cracked infected bark. The main branch may break causing death of the plant. The recommended fungicides for control of this disease is not  available in the market, BIO-C is a cheap and eco-friendly fungicide tried for control of pink disease. It contains an antagonistic bacteria (Pseudomonas sp.) with 55 x 10⁹ CFU and other ingredients. The ready-mixformulation of BIO-C facilitates its application by simply and applying directly to the affected parts. The application interval is once a week for 4 times. The dose of one time application is about 50 cc / plant depending on the extent of the pink disease attack. Efficacy tests have been conducted in laboratory and field scale since 2008. The results obtained in 2008-2009 indicated its effectiveness with a recovery of 76.93%. On a larger field scale trial in 2011 and 2012 the effectiveness of this biofungicide were 80.49% and 89.2% respectively. In terms of economic value, BIO-C is twice cheaper than chemical fungicides.

Keywords : BIO-C, Hevea brasiliensis, pink disease.