Studies on collar -rot in tuberose

Collar rot is a serious disease of tube rose (Polianthes tuberose L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. reported in Odisha. The malady is rapidly gaining momentum inflicting heavy damage to this commercial ornamental crop. To study about this disease, with a chain of operations like planting material collection, isolation of pathogens, sterilisation of glassware, preparation of different media and inoculation in the media were conducted. Out of seven inoculation methods compared, artificial inoculation was highly successful, when inoculums mixed in top 2-3 cm soil and covered with leaf debris of tuberose. Ground nut shell and Sorghum grain media supported maximum Sclerotia and mycelia growth of the fungus.