BANGLADESH JOURNAL OF PROGRESSIVE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BJPST

BJPST: 12(1):089-092 [January, 2014] ISSN : 2305-1809 (Online version)

Available online at http:/www.bjpst.net

EFFECT OF SANITATION ON PURPLE BLOTCH FOR PRODUCTION OF TRUE SEEDS OF ONION

1 2 3 4
Nahar Shumsun , Ayub Ali M , Sarker MA , Islam Hamim
1
MS student, Dept. Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
2
Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
3
Deputy Manager (Seed Production), Seed Wing, Ispahani Agro Ltd. Dhaka
4
Lecturer, Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

ABSTRACT

Effect of sanitation on purple blotch for production of true seeds of onion was studied following RCBD in the field. Sanitation
was done by removal of infected leaves from the plants. Infected leaves @ 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% (treatments) were
removed from the plot at 77 days after sowing. Occurrence of purple blotch was the minimum in the plots from where 25% of
the infected leaves where removed; as a result purple blotch infection on the leaves, stalks, hills and umbels was low; lesion
and damage was the minimum; consequently yield of true seeds was high as compared to the control plots. There was a
negative relationship between the occurrence of purple blotch of onion and the amount of removal of infected leaves from the
plants. Amount of seed production was negatively related to the severity of purple blotch of onion. Thus, sanitation was an
effective cultural method, safe to the environment for production of true seeds of onion.

Key words: Sanitation, Purple blotch, Onion, True Seeds

INTRODUCTION germination. Schwartz et al. (2004) developed control

strategies for purple blotch (Alternaria porri) by planting
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a very important spices crop, high quality seed and transplanting healthy seedlings. Crop
occupies the highest position in respect of area and rotation for three-years to non-hosts was also effective.
production in Bangladesh (BBS, 2009). Total production of Reduction of over-wintering and survival of the pathogens
onion in Bangladesh is only 10.51 lakh metric tons from an by eliminating culls, onion debris, and volunteer crop from
area of 1, 26,175 ha of land as against the estimated the field was also effective.
demand of 15 lakh metric tons (BBS, 2011).
Prevention is the best approach to control plant diseases.
The onion seed crop suffers from 22 fungal diseases Sanitation may a effective method to break the disease
(Richardson 1990). Among them purple blotch caused by cycle. Destruction of infested residues, (sanitation) reduces
Alternari porri is a major disease in many onion growing the population of the pathogen. Sanitation aims at
countries including Bangladesh (Meah and Khan, 1987; excluding, reducing, or eliminating pathogen populations.
Bose and Som, 1986; Ahmed and Hossain, 1985; Sanitation aims to prevent the entry of inoculua into the
Ashrafuzzaman and Ahmed, 1977). field and to reduce or eliminate the inoculua that is already
present in the field. (Palti, 1981; Katan, 2010).
Under tropical conditions purple blotch is a limiting factor
for production of true seeds of onion. Seed production is Excessive use of chemical fungicides deteriorates
severely affected by Purple blotch causes severe reduction environmental health. Moreover chemicals are very costly.
in seed yield by breaking of floral stalks (Munoz et al., Poor farmers cannot afford the cost of fungicides to control
1984). Hossain et al. (1997) reported that the disease the disease. Chemicals are hazardous for both environment
causes 41-42% yield loss in Bangladesh Alternaria porri, the and human health. So, a cultural method, safe to the
causal organism of purple blotch can infect all above- environment for controlling purple blotch of onion is to be
ground parts of the plant as well the bulb. Initial symptoms established. Field sanitation has been found effective in
appear on older leaves, usually late in the summer as controlling foliar diseases of some vegetables (Srivastava et
spores are blown from infested debris. Older plants are al. 1991). The effect of sanitation on purple blotch of onion
more susceptible to infection. The disease is most severe have not yet been studied anywhere in Bangladesh.
when frequent rain or persistent dew occurs with Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate
moderate temperatures (25 to 27.23 °C). Almost no the effectiveness of sanitation for prevention of purple
infection occurs below 12.78 °C. The fungus is disseminated blotch of onion to produce true seeds of onion.
within and among fields by splashing rain water and wind.
It overwinters in and on infested crop debris. The pathogen MATERIALS AND METHODS
is also seed-borne (Joseph La Forest, 2011).
The experiment was conducted during the period of
There are many methods of controlling the disease like February-2013 to May-2014 at the Bangladesh Agricultural
chemical, cultural, physical, biological and seed treatment. University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The
Mude (1977) observed that the surface applications of experiment was conducted following Randomized
contact fungicides did not eliminate seed infection. Soaking Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The
in thirum reduced infection by 90% but adversely affected unit plot size was 150 cm x 80 cm, separated from each
Nahar et al. [Jan 2014] EFFECT OF SANITATION ON PURPLE BLOTCH

other by 10 cm. Sanitation was done by removal of infected 105 DAS, the number of infected umbels increased to 7.25
leaves (RIL). Infected leaves @ 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and in T1 but it was low in T6 (Table 4). Number of mature
25% were removed from the plots, thus tested as umbels was the maximum (150) in T6 but the minimum (87)
treatments. in T1 (Table 5).

The leaves showing one or more spots (10-15 mm) were Sanitation showed significant influence on the yield of true
considered as infected. Infected leaves were removed at 77 seeds of onion. Seed yield per plot ranged from 100g to
DAS with the help of knife. None of the infected leaves 170g. The highest seed yield (170g) per plot was recorded
were removed from the control plots. Bulbs were sown in from T6 but the lowest seed yield (100g) was recorded from
the plots on the 18 November 2013. Data on disease and T1 (control plot) (Fig. 1).
yield parameters were collected.
Removal of the infected leaves (sanitation) was effective in
Maturity was detected by the seeds inside the capsules reducing of incidence and severity of purple blotch of onion
became black and 20-25% black seeds exposed from the in the field. This study is in agreement with the findings of
umbels. The mature umbels were cut with 10-15cm stem. Begum et al. (1995) who reported that the severities of
Umbels were supported in the palm of hand and held Alternaria blight of mustard was reduced by sanitation.
between the fingers to avoid seed shattering. Umbels were Tumwine et al. (2010) stated that sanitation reduced
dried by spreading the umbels on canvas and putting under severity and incidence of late blight of tomato. The number
sunlight (6 hours) for 3 days. The seeds were then properly of hill infection per plot was low due to sanitation. Removal
separated from the umbels. The debrish were removed and of 25% of the infected leaves was effective to reduce the
seeds were cleaned. True seeds were dried in the sunlight hill infection. Choudhury (2000) reported that incidence
for 2 hours during 10:00-12:00 am for two days. Seeds and severity of leaf spot of turmeric was the minimum in
were dried to 8% moisture content and weights were taken the plots where sanitation was practiced.
by an electrical balance (NSB, 2010).
Low infection in sanitation plots might be attributed due to
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION reduction of inocula for secondary infection. Palarpawar
and Ghurde (1989) described that the pathogen may
The number of infected hills at 60 and 75 days after sowing remain viable in diseased leaves and plant debris. It also
(DAS) was insignificant but it was significant at 90 and 105 remains in soil upto 9 months and can cause secondary
DAS. Hill infection was the maximum in the plots of T1 and infection by air borne spore. The maximum number of
the minimum in the plots of T6 (Table 1). Number of lesions /10 leaves was observed in control plot but the
infected leaves was insignificant at 60 and 75 DAS but minimum number of lesions /10 leaves was found in the
significant at 90 and 105 DAS. The maximum number of plots where 25% of the infected leaves were removed.
infected leaves per plot was recorded in T1 and the Fontem (1995) reported that Phytophthora infestans can
minimum in T6 (Table 1). Number of lesions on 10 leaves be controlled by removal of diseased leaves. LAD sharply
did not differ significantly at 60 and 75 DAS but difference decreased in the plots where 25% of the infected leaves
was significant at 90 and 105 DAS. The highest number of were removed. Shaha and Singh (1993) explained that
lesions was observed in T1 and the lowest number of cultural practices reduced the incidence of leaf spot of
lesions was found in T6 (Table 2). There was no statistical turmeric.
variation in leaf area diseased (LAD) among the treatments
at 60 and 75 DAS but the variation was significant at 90 and Number of flower stalks was high in sanitation plots.
105 DAS. The highest LAD was recorded in T1 and the Sanitation increased yield of true seeds of onion.
lowest was found in T6 (Table 2). Choudhury (2000) stated that the rhizome yield in Turmeric
was high in the plots where sanitation was practiced.
Number of flower stalks per plot was statistically similar at Number of infected flower stalks, number of spot on 10
75 DAS but significantly different at 90 and 105 DAS. Flower stalk and SAD was low in the plots where sanitation was
stalks per plot in T1 (Control plot) was low and high in T6 practiced. Gutierrez et al. (1997) reported that elimination
(Table 3). Number of infected stalks per plot in the of inocula from the field effectively controlled target spot
treatments was statistically different at 90 and 105 DAS. and stem rot of tobacco.
The maximum infected stalks were found in T1 (control) but
the minimum in T6 (Table 3). Number of spots on flower It is concluded that sanitation is essential and most
stalks was statistically significant in different treatments at effective to control purple blotch of onion caused by
90 and 105 DAS. The highest number of spots on the stalks Alternaria porri. Sanitation played an important role in
was recorded in T1 and the lowest in T6 (Table 3). Percent reducing disease development and increasing seed yield in
stalk area diseased was significant at 90 and 105 DAS. The the field. Sanitation would help to avoid environmental
maximum disease severity (SAD) was found in T1 but the pollution caused by chemicals and thus become the most
minimum in T6 (Table 4). The highest number of infected rewarding one in our existing socio-economic conditions
umbels was recorded in T1 (control) and the lowest in T6. At and environmental threat.

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Nahar et al. [Jan 2014] EFFECT OF SANITATION ON PURPLE BLOTCH

Table 1. Effect of sanitation on the number of infected hills and leaves per plot at different days after sowing (DAS)
Treatment Infected hills Infected leaves
60 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS 60 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS
T1 (Control) 17 28 39 a 47a 18 138 148a 154a
T2 (RIL 5%) 16 30 35 b 37b 16 132 120b 126b
T3 (RIL 10%) 16 28 32c 35b 16 136 114bc 124b
T4 (RIL 15%) 15 27 27d 31c 15 131 100cd 120bc
T5 (RIL 20%) 14 25 27d 27d 16 134 95e 117bc
T6 (RIL 25%) 16 26 26d 26d 18 133 83f 110c
Means followed by the same letter in a column within each parameter did not differ significantly at the 5% level by DMRT
RIL = Removal of Infected Leaves

Table 2. Effect of sanitation on the number of lesion on 10 leaves and percent leaf area diseased at different days after
sowing (DAS)
Treatment Number of lesion on 10 leaves Percent leaf area diseased
60 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS 60 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS
T1 (Control) 13.00 36.00 46.00a 55.25a 19.75 48.50 55.40a 61.04a
T2 (RIL 5%) 12.25 35.25 30.75b 22.00b 20.94 6.00 41.22b 48.70b
T3 (RIL 10%) 14.25 34.25 24.50c 18.75bc 19.78 47.50 33.90c 37.23bc
T4 (RIL 15%) 11.50 33.75 15.25d 17.25c 18.14 48.50 30.82cd 34.25c
T5 (RIL 20%) 13.25 34.50 10.50e 15.25cd 19.68 47.37 27.25d 27.25cd
T6 (RIL 25%) 12.75 33.25 5.5f 11.50d 19.71 46.37 16.67e 18.30d
Means followed by the same letter in a column within each parameter did not differ significantly at the 5% level by DMRT
RIL = Removal of Infected Leaves

Table 3. Effect of sanitation on the number of infected flower stalks per plot at different days after sowing (DAS)
Treatment Flower stalk Infected flower stalk
75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS
T1 (Control) 139 90f 87f 29 43a 53a
T2 (RIL 5%) 140 97e 101e 30 38b 46b
T3 (RIL 10%) 141 110d 110d 32 34bc 40c
T4 (RIL 15%) 140 117c 124c 33 28cd 35d
T5 (RIL 20%) 138 126b 130b 30 28cd 29e
T6 (RIL 25%) 139 133a 150a 30 30e 30e
Means followed by the same letter in a column within each parameter did not differ significantly at the 5% level by DMRT
RIL = Removal of Infected Leaves

Table 4. Effect of sanitation on percent stalk area diseased and number of infected umbels per plot at different days
after sowing (DAS)
Treatment Percent stalk area diseased Infected umbels
75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS 75 DAS 90 DAS 105 DAS
T1 (Control) 15.43 44.22a 62.96a 28a 36a 7a
T2 (RIL 5%) 14.997 39.59a 46.04b 26b 29b 4b
T3 (RIL 10%) 16.64 30.08b 40.67bc 22b 19bc 3c
T4 (RIL 15%) 15.19 23.18bc 35.60cd 19b 16cd 3c
T5 (RIL 20%) 13.60 17.87c 29.47d 13c 12de 2d
T6 (RIL 25%) 13.03 7.90d 20.02e 9c 8e 1e
Means followed by the same letter in a column within each parameter did not differ significantly at the 5% level by DMRT
RIL = Removal of Infected Leaves

Table 5. Effect of sanitation on the maturity of umbels

Treatments Number of umbel harvested per day Total number of
110 DAS 112 DAS 115 DAS 119 DAS umbels harvested
T1 (Control) 13c 24c 35e 15d 87e
T2 (RIL 5%) 22b 25c 37e 17c 101d
T3 (RIL 10%) 21b 29b 41d 20c 111c
T4 (RIL 15%) 25a 32b 47c 14b 124b
T5 (RIL 20%) 23a 31b 57b 19a 130b
T6 (RIL 25%) 26a 42a 63a 22a 153a
Means followed by the same letter in a column did not differ significantly at the 5% level by DMRT
RIL = Removal of Infected Leaves

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Nahar et al. [Jan 2014] EFFECT OF SANITATION ON PURPLE BLOTCH

Yield/plot Yield/plant

170
180

152
140
160

128
140

115
100

120
Yield (g/plot)

100
80
60
40

3.4
3.1
2.8
2.6
2.3
2.0

20
0
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
Treatments (Sanitation)

Figure 1. Effect of sanitation on the yield of true seed of onion

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