Evaluation of neem oil against powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni DC) of green gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted during the Zaid season 2023 at the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. Powdery mildew of green gram is caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC. It is one of the major constraints in the production and most troublesome foliar disease affecting all aerial portions of plants. Seven different treatments are applied as foliar spray viz, Neem oil @ 0.5%, neem oil @ 1.0%, neem oil @ 1.5%, neem oil @ 2.0%, neem oil @ 2.5%, carbendazim @ 0.1% and along with untreated check were evaluated against the powdery mildew. All the treatments were found to significantly reduce the severity of the disease and increase yield. Among all the treatments neem oil @ 2.0% were significantly superior over the other treatments in reducing powdery mildew intensity and also increasing, yield and highest cost benefit ratio, as compared to treated check carbendazim @ 0.1% and untreated check control.