Studies on Management of Alternaria Blight (Alternaria Alternata) of Pea (Pisum Sativum L.)

Abstract

Pulses are an indispensable source of supplementary protein to daily diet for predominantly vegetarian population of India. Pea is an important crop and is a rich source of protein, minerals (K, P, Fe and Zn) and vitamins for human consumption. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is attacked by a number of major and minor diseases. Among all diseases, alternaria blight of pea is an emerging serious disease caused by Alternaria alternata. In UP the disease appears in moderate to severe form every year and causes significant yield loss especially during the years when winter rains are frequent. Infection of host plants occur through air and seed borne transmission or planting into infected soil, where rain splash or leaves coming in direct contact with soil leads to infection. Initial symptoms are small lesions on the leaves and seed pods of pea, which grow in size overtime. Studies were conducted on the efficacy of five bio-agents and eight fungicide and 6 plant extracts against Alternaria alternata under in vitro condition. The maximum mycelial growth inhibition was recorded by Chaetomium globosum (80.00%) followed by and Pseudomonas fluorescens (78.89%) and Trichoderma harzianum (77.78%) In eight fungicide, Hexaconazole 5% SC and Propiconazole 25% EC exhibited maximum inhibition of Alternaria alternata. In 6 plant extracts, Garlic clove extract was most efficient against Alternaria alternata (82.22%) growth inhibition was recorded at 10% and w/v concentration followed by 10% Ajwain seed extract (67.78%) and 10% neem leaf extract (62.22%). In integrated disease management experiment of the disease under field conditions, lowest disease incidence (7.79%), and highest yield (17.98 q/ha) and test weight (192.6 gm) were recorded in foliar application of Propiconazole @ 500 ml/ha after 15 DAS in field condition.