| Abstract: | A root rot disease of Phyllanthus emblica, Quercus serrata and Citrus sp. due to Rbizoctonia solani has been observed in the two tropical forests of Meghalaya in May to August. Seedling mortality was 39.4% in P. emblica, 38.6% in Q. serrata and 17.1% in Citrus sp. Older plants were resistant to this disease. High temperature and rainfall favour the disease development. The disease was observed in silt and clay soil with pH 6.10 and 6.38 and moisture content 22.8 and 24.6% respectively. The fungus grows over a broad temperature ranges (5 to 40°C) with optimum temperature at 20 to 35°C. The pathogenicity of the fungus was established. The fungus possesses quick and wide powers of saprophytic colonization of dead and healthy roots and soil. This is a new host record for this fungus on P. emblica and Q. serrata in India. |
