BETELVINE wilt caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and Meloidogyne incognita

Betelvine (Piper Linn.) Is a perennial creeper commercially cultivated for its economic leaves in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Wilt disease complex incited by Sclerotium rolfsii and Meloidogyne incognita is a major constraint for the cultivation of betelvine as they cause up to 100 per cent yield losses. The disease was noticed in all the surveyed locations of Shivamogga and Davanagere districts of Karnataka state. The disease incidence was more severe in Harihara taluk of Davanagere district. Individually S. rolfsii was the most aggressive pathogen while concomitant inoculation stuffed with nematodes was causing more damage to the crop because of the actions of nematodes as predisposition factor. Integrated management of wilt complex of betelvine with soil application of carboxin + thiram (vitavax power) at 0.2% with neem cake 1 kg/plant was significantly effective.