Evaluation of Hexaconazole 4% + ZINEB 68% WP against leaf and fruit spot complex in pomegranate

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted on Bhagawa variety of Pomegranate during Hasta Bahar of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Vadki Village of Gangavati to evaluate Hexaconazole 4% + Zineb 68% WP against the most common and important diseases leaf and fruit spots caused by a complex association of Alternaria alternata, Crescospora punicae and Colletotrichum sp. which effects quality and market value of pomegranate fruits. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications of eight treatments. The fungicide was applied at disease initiation stage and data after three consecutive applications (at 15 days interval) was taken on the incidence leaf and fruit spot was scored as Per cent Disease Index (PDI) by following 0-9 scale. During 2011-12, treatment Hexaconazole 4% + Zineb 68% WP @ 30 g/10 L per tree basis dose recorded leaf spot incidence of 3.78 PDI and fruit spot incidence of 5.41 PDI with the yield of 11.9 t/ha followed by same fungicide @ 25 g/10 L per tree basis i.e. leaf spot of 4.46 PDI and fruit spot of 6.27 PDI at 10th day after third spray with the yield of 10.8 t/ha. Similarly, during 2012-13, same fungicide @ 30g/10L recorded leaf spot of 7.98 PDI and fruit spot of 7.27 PDI with the yield of 12.8 t/ha followed by same fungicide @ 25 g/10 L per tree basis i.e. leaf spot of 8.25 PDI and fruit spot of 8.96 at 10th day after third application with the yield of 11.9 t/ha. Results obtained from the two years clearly indicated that the spraying of Hexaconazole 4% + Zineb 68% WP @ 25 and 30 g/10L per tree basis doses were effective in control leaf and fruit spot diseases and resulting higher yield with quality fruits. The first spray should be initiated just after appearance of the disease and subsequent sprays at 15 days interval.