Evaluation of fungicides and plant extracts against smut of pearl millet caused by Moesziomyces penicillariae (Bref.) Vanky

Abstract

Smut of pearl millet incited by Moesziomyces penicillariae (Bref.) Vanky is soil borne disease and is the most destructive and widespread disease of pearl millet in India and other parts of world where it is grown. The experiment was conducted under in vitro conditions and two superior fungicides and botanicals were tested under field conditions. Under in vitro conditions among fungicides carbendazim and copper oxychloride @ 50 ppm and among plant extracts aloe vera followed by jamun at 20% concentration showed maximum inhibition of pathogen. Under field conditions the fungicides were better over plant extracts and carbendazim performed better as prophylactic spray and showed less smut severity and more grain yield whereas copper oxychloride was better as curative.