The elite use of butylated hydroxytoluene (bht) and sodium alginate (SA) for the suppression of verticillium wilt of cotton

Verticillium dahliae Kleb., the cause of Verticillium wilt is a major threat, which is known as “cancer” in cotton. However, currently available conventional fungicides are less effective due to its long persistency as mycelia and microsclerotia. The objective of the present study was to find out the optimum and most effective treatment for the suppression of this drastic disease. Ten modern fungicides alone and in combination with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and sodium alginate (SA) were tested under laboratory conditions. The combinations of Carbendazim and Topsin-M with BHT+SA, respectively, decolorized the mycelial plug of V. dahliae, indicates their strongest efficacy. Significant improvement in growth parameters of two cotton germplasm Arcot-402bne (High Susceptible) and Yumian-2067 (Tolerant) compared to control-1 (Inoculated and untreated) were obtained under greenhouse conditions with Carbendazim and Topsin-M combinations. These two combinations had the lowest wilt incidence (WI) percentage and showed high efficacy. In contrast, Hymexazol and PCNB combinations and fungicides alone were exhibited lower effectiveness, with the highest WI percentage. No infection (%) of V. dahliae was observed with re-isolation for Carbendazim combination, clearly proved the strongest efficacy. The present study determined the new, strongest and optimum chemical combination with a hope will effectively control this serious disease for sustainable cotton production.