Common Fungicide Usage and New Trends in Plantation Sector, Sri Lanka

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.