Multilocational validation of integrated management practices for Sclerotinia rot of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Abstract

Field studies were conducted from 2008 to 2011 on integrated management of Sclerotinia rot of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czerns & Coss.) involving Trichoderma mixture (T. viride + T. hamatum) formulation (2×109 cfu/g) through seed treatment (10 g/kg), soil application (2.5 kg/ha) pre-incubated in farmyard manure and foliar sprays (0.2%) at 50 and 70 days after sowing along with improved cultural practices at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, which reduced the disease incidence up to a minimum of 11.1% and increased the seed yield up to a maximum of 2.72 tonnes/ha as compared to control (disease incidence 26.9% and seed yield 1.77 tonnes/ha). Validation of management practices were also undertaken during 2008 to 2011 in farmer’s participatory mode under three different agro climates, Zone 1b and 3b in Rajasthan and south-west zone in Haryana. The validation studies revealed that integrated management strategies based on Trichoderma resulted in minimum Sclerotinia rot incidence (mean values of three regions 5.6%) and maximum seed yield (2.19 tonnes/ha) as compared to garlic clove extract (mean values 10.3% and seed yield 1.90 tonnes/ ha) and Farmers’ practices (mean values 19.2% and seed yield 1.66 tonnes/ha). Integrated management strategies based on Trichoderma spp. was found economically viable as indicated by incremental cost: benefit ratio ranging from 1:3.1 to 1:3.8 that was different with garlic clove extract (1:1.2 to 1:2.0), besides mustard seed was produced without any application of toxic fungicides.