The use of mounds and organic and plastic mulches for the management of phytophthora root rot of papaya in northern Queensland

Abstract

Options for the control of root rot of papaya caused by Phytophthora palmivora were evaluated in a field experiment in northerly parts of Queensland, Australia. In the experiment, growing papaya on 0.75 m mounds reduced the incidence of root rot by 38.4% and significantly increased fruit yield. Soil covers of 2 m wide plastic mulch and organic mulch, in combination with 0.75 m mounds, further reduced plant losses by 20 and 10%, respectively. Plastic mulch on flat ground was as effective as the mounded treatments in reducing the incidence of root rot and increasing yield.