General

1. Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii

Symptoms

1. Usually appears within a month of sowing scattered over the field (Fig.).
2. Seedlings turn slightly chlorotic before they die.
3. Rotting in the collar region covered with white mycelial growth; this differentiates collar rot from other seedling diseases caused by Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, or Pythium.
4. Affected seedlings can be easily uprooted, but the lower part of the root usually remains in soil.

Management

1. Previous crop stubbles should be buried deep and is allowed to decompose well before pigeonpea is sown again.
2. Sow when soil moisture is low
3. Seed dressing with Tolclofos-methyl, Captan or Thiram @ 3 g/kg seed.
4. Soil application of Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50kg FYM