Application of botanicals for effective management of Alternaria blight of Pigeon pea

Abstract

Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L. Millsp.) is an important pulse crop of India and grown in Kharif seasons. Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria tenuissima is one of the most important disease of pre-rabi Pigeon pea. An inexpensive and environment friendly management regimen is required to minimize loss due to A. tenuissima. The inhibitory effect of 17 botanicals were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo at 10 and 15 per cent concentration of plant extracts against A. tenuissima. The results showed that the effectiveness of extracts was directly proportional to their concentration. Among all plant extracts were neem showed maximum inhibition against A. tenuissima at 15% concentration after 7 days of incubation in vitro followed by Eucalyptus and Garlic. However, percent disease control in between Neem and Eucalyptus; Garlic and Mehandi; Ginger and Tulsi; Kaner and Onion; Lantana and Sadabahar; Bael and Bhang; Parthenium and Marigold were at par to each other.