Browsing by Author "Udagedara, U.M.C.S."

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    Effect of using Biofilmed Biofertilizer to Control the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot Diseases of Dracaena sanderiana and Cordyline fruticosa
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Udagedara, U.M.C.S.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Premathilake, U.G.A.T.; Seneviratne, K.A.C.N.; Seneviratne, G.
    Draceana sanderiana and Cordyline fruticosa are highly demanding cut foliages in foliage industry. Due to its perishable nature in foliage, it is highly susceptible to pest and pathogens which causes loss of appearance and thereby reduce the ornamental value of the plants. Tip Burning, Leaf Spots, Fusarium stem and root rot are some of the major diseases in these plants. High amount of fertilizer and agro chemicals are used to improve the growth of the plants and to control the pest and disease problems. It is an extra cost in floriculture sector and also reduces the quality of the products. Biofilmed Biofertilizer (BFBF) is a cost effective and environmentally friendly bio-fertilizer type. Most importantly it suppresses the pathogens through improved biodiversity and acts as a biological control agent. The research was conducted to identify the possibility of using BFBF to control the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana "white", Dracaena sanderiana "gold" and Cordyline fruticosa. Grow More fertilizer was used as the chemical fertilizer in 2.5 g/1 concentration and Biofilmed- F was used in 1: 15 ratio by volume. Five treatments were used namely BFBF alone, full strength chemical fertilizer only, half strength chemical fertilizer only, BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer and Distilled water as control. The study revealed that the application of BFBF alone is more effective in controlling the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana "gold" and Leaf Spots in Dracaena sanderiana "white". Application of BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer is more effective in controlling both diseases of Cordyline fruticosa and controlling Tip Burning of Dracaena sanderiana "white" when compared to the use of chemical fertilizer alone. In overall, BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer is more effective in controlling the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana and Cordylinefruticosa while promoting a better growth. Keywords: Dracaena sanderiana, Cordyline fruticosa, Biofilmed Biofertilizer, Tip Burning, Leaf Spots