Abstract

                                New EC formulations (10, 20, 30 and 40 EC) were developed using combination of lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil and thyme oil for the management of post harvest anthracnose of pomegranate caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and tested at 0.1% concentration in vitro. Among them, essential oils based new 30 EC formulation, completely (100%) inhibited the pathogen growth at 0.1% concentration. The formulation was named as THYCILEM 30 EC and tested for its physical stability. The formulation was stable in all physical stability tests and was not inhibitory to antagonistic micro organisms. The in vivo results revealed that pre harvest spraying with new THYCILEM 30 EC (0.1%) followed by post harvest dipping with new THYCILEM 30 EC (0.1%) for 5 min was more effective in reducing pomegranate anthracnose which had the minimum PDI of 13.43 after 24 days of treatment under post harvest conditions, compared to 87.50 PDI in untreated control. The application of new THYCILEM 30 EC as pre harvest spray and post harvest dipping did not show any drying, scorching of leaves and browning of fruits which was noticed by visual observation.

Key words : Essential oil, THYCILEM 30 EC, Pomegranate, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides