Effect of micronutrients and systemic acquired resistance activators on powdery mildew of Indian mustard incited by Erysiphe cruciferarum

Abstract

Studies with micronutrients and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) activators were performed in field to assess their 
potential in managing powdery mildew of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) incited by Erysiphe cruciferarum. This 
stress from living organisms has become a serious problem for growers in the Indian state of Rajasthan and, in general, 
causes economic losses when the climate changes. This study investigated six micronutrients in the field, including Zn, 
B, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Mg, as well as six SAR activators, including salicylic acid, isonicotinic acid, ethylene, fosetyl Al, β
amino butyric acid, and gamma-amino butyric acid. The most efficient treatments for lowering disease severity (46.5%) 
and boosting yield (33.1%) were two foliar applications of copper sulphate (0.5%), followed by borax. Salicylic acid 
(200 ppm) was shown to be superior thanisonicotinic acid (150 ppm) in SAR activators for both reducing intensity 
(54.5%) and boosting yield (43.4%). Thus, foliar sprays of copper sulphate and salicylic acid hold out a significant 
amount of potential for application in the treatment of diseases that are both efcient and ecologically benign for the 
benet of the end users.