Integrated management of citrus anthracnose : in vitro evaluation of fungicides, botanicals, animal origin bio-products and biocontrol agents against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Citrus anthracnose, primarily caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, poses a serious threat to citrus production. The present study comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of chemical fungicides, botanicals, animal origin bio-products and biological control agents, along with pre- and post-inoculation spray strategies, to manage anthracnose under laboratory conditions. Among 12 fungicides tested, combinations such as flusilazole + carbendazim, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, zineb + hexaconazole and tricyclazole + mancozeb completely inhibited fungal growth at all concentrations. Botanical extracts, particularly those from Lantana camara, Murraya koenigii and Melia dubia, exhibited promising antifungal activity, especially in acetone and methanol solvents. Animal origin bioproducts like cow and buffalo urine demonstrated >85 per cent growth inhibition at 10 per cent concentrations. Biocontrol agents Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum significantly reduced fungal growth in dual culture assays, with inhibition rates of 49.92 per cent and 47.69 per cent, respectively. Pre-inoculation sprays with carbendazim and flusilazole + carbendazim provided complete disease control, while post-inoculation sprays with the same achieved up to 100 per cent and 87 per cent disease suppression, respectively. This integrative approach highlights the potential of combining fungicides with eco-friendly botanicals and biocontrol agents to develop a sustainable management strategy for citrus anthracnose.