EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES AND PLANT EXTRACTS FOR MANAGEMENT OF TURCICUM LEAF BLIGHT OF MAIZE

Abstract

Among the six fungicides tested Zineb 75 WP @ 0.25 % concentration found most effective in inhibiting the growth of E. turcicum, low in disease severity and ultimately produced higher grain yield of maize. Mancozeb 63%+Carbendazim 12% @ 0.25% was found equally effective which can be used as an alternative to Zineb.Among the plant extracts,all the plant extracts inhibit the mycelial growth of Exserohilum turcicum,Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel extract @ 10% was effective in reducing the growth of Exserohilum turcicum.Foliar spray of Azadirachta indica seed extract was also found most effective among plant extract showing the minimum disease severity (25.4%) and maximum grain yield (24.1q/ha).while Eucalyptus citriodora 10% concentration were low effective as comparison to Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum in inhibition of Exserohilum turcicum growth and produced 72.8% lower grain yield as compare to Azadirachta indica. Minimum grain yield was recorded in check plots.