BIOEFFICACY OF BOTANICALS AGAINST ALTERNARIA LEAF BLIGHT OF MUSTARD UNDER FIELD CONDITION

Abstract

Aqueous extract of three botanicals as leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica), bulbs of garlic (Allium sativum) and rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale) at four different doses (5, 10, 15, 20%) were evaluated against Alternaria leaf blight of mustard under field condition. The disease was adequately managed by the application of these three botanicals irrespective of their doses in comparison to untreated control. Two years data revealed that spraying of neem leaf extract @15% was more effective against this disease as well as increased the seed yield of mustard. Seed yield was significantly highest (p < 0.05) on application of neem leaf extract @15% over other treatments (1403.83 kg/ha) where as in check had only 820.33kg/ha. Garlic bulb extract@10% also gave better yield (1366.17kg/ha) which is similar to that of 10% of neem leaf extract (1383.00kg/ha). Cost benefit ratio was also highest (1:2.5) at 15% neem leaf extract which was similar to that of 10% of the same botanicals (1:2.0) and 10% garlic bulb extract (1:1.9). It indicating that the spraying of neem leaf extract on mustard was effective against Alternaria blight resulting superior performances in seed yield for consecutive two years.