Abstract:
The plantation sector plays a vital role in the Sri Lankan economy, with tea, coconut,
rubber, toddy palm, oil palm and sugarcane being the primary crops involved in the
industry. Fungicides are an integral part of this sector, as they have a significant
impact on crop protection. Disease management is crucial in plantation crops, making
it essential to understand the current fungicide usage to implement new decisions
effectively. To achieve this, published research data and government publications were
thoroughly reviewed, referring to the performance report and annual report issued by
ministry of Agriculture, science direct and google scholar. Fungicides are imported to Sri
Lanka as formulated forms. Bordeaux mixture is a major fungicide used against fungal
diseases like bud rot present in coconut cultivations. Farmers commonly encounter rust,
black rot, and blister blight like fungal diseases in tea cultivation. Copper hydroxide,
hexaconazole, and tebuconazole are mainly used to control fungal disease in tea. In
rubber, Oidium leaf disease, Colletotrichum leaf disease and leaf fall disease caused
by Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis are mostly reported fungal diseases in recent
years. Sulfur dust, Bordeaux mixture, carbendazim, hexaconazole, and mancozeb are
commonly used to control fungal diseases in rubber. Tebuconazole and hexaconazole are
frequently used in sugarcane cultivation. Against this backdrop, a new trend in Sri Lanka
is the use of biopesticides, such as Trichoderma, to control fungal diseases. Despite this,
chemical control remains the major method used for fungal disease due to its ease of use,
effectiveness, and crop insecurity. One of the major challenges is the lack of knowledge
among farmers and laborers about the safe use of fungicides. Offering extension services
and awareness campaigns are necessary to impart the knowledge needed for handling
chemicals and sprayers effectively.
