Build-up and decline of Rhizoctonia solani inoculum under field conditions

Inoculum potential of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn was studied in an infested carnation field during two successive growth seasons. This inoculum potential was expressed as diseased carnation plants in the field and diseased bean seedlings planted in soil samples. Disease incidence in the field soil samples increased during the first season, up to 60% and 100%, respectively. Removing the carnation plants and keeping the soil wet for 45 days, resulted in a sharp decline in inoculum potential. Both inoculum potential and disease incidence in carnations were lower after plant removal. The use of either methyl bromide or vapam resulted in complete control of the disease and reduced inoculum potential. Results suggest possible reduction of R. solani inoculum by maintaining the soil moist between growth periods.