Management of powdery mildew of greengram by using new fungicide molecules, botanicals and bioagents

Abstract

Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC is a major constraint in greengram (Vigna radiata L.) production. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2024-25 at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, to evaluate the efficacy of newer fungicide molecules, botanicals and bioagents for effective disease management. The study comprised 16 treatments arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Disease severity was assessed using Percent Disease Index (PDI) and yield and economic analysis were carried out. Among all treatments, T₁ (Azoxystrobin 8.3% + Tebuconazole 9.1% + Prochloraz 18.2% W/W EC @ 2.5 ml/l) significantly reduced disease severity (17.31%) with a 75.94% reduction over control and recorded the highest yield (9.86 q/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.31). Treatments T₂ and T₈ also performed effectively. Although botanicals and bioagents were less effective, they may serve as components in integrated disease management. The results suggest that T₁ is the most effective and economically viable treatment for the management of powdery mildew in greengram under field conditions.