Stem rot

Caused by: Magnaporthe salvinii (Sclerotium oryzae)
Problem Category: Fungal Disease
Symptoms: Symptoms are generally observed after mid tillering stage. The disease initially appears as a small, blackish, irregular lesion on the outer leaf sheath near water line. The lesion enlarges as the disease progresses with the fungus penetrating into the inner leaf sheaths. Finally the culm is rotten and the leaf sheath is partially or completely rotten. This results in lodging, unfilled panicles, chalky grain and in severe cases death of the tiller.
Comments: Favourable Conditions: High amount of N & P fertilizers, wounding due to lodging or insect damage.
Management: 1. Crop residue management is important, burning straw and stubble (Highly Infected Stubbles / the patch) or crop residue after harvest or letting the straw decompose 2. Good drainage for the field can reduce sclerotia in the field. 3. Potash rich compost made from banana stems should be applied. A balanced use of fertilizer or split application with high potash and lime to increase soil pH reduces stem rot infection and increases yield.
Control: 5. Application of Neem cake @ 100 Kg / acre to the soil followed by Jeevamruth application @ 200 litre/ acre. 6. Spraying 1% solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma inhamatum together cuts down disease lesions better than using a single agent alone