Management of Sclerotinia rot of Indian mustard through novel combi formulations of fungicides

Abstract

 Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] is an important and vital oilseed crop which suffers from various
 pests and diseases. Sclerotinia rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has emerged as a significant threat, leading to
 economic and quality losses. The present research aimed to reduce the losses due to this dreaded and notorious
 pathogen through old and novel combi-formulations of fungicides by assessing under in vitro and field conditions for
 two consecutive years (2023-24 and 2024-25). All tested fungicides inhibited mycelial growth cent per cent except
 metiram + pyraclostrobin under in vitro conditions at all three concentrations (50, 100, and 200 ppm).Under field
 conditions, two foliar applications (first spray at disease appearance and second spray at 15 days after of first spray) on
 the Indian mustard susceptible var. NRCHB-101. Among these fungicides, two foliar sprays of tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin
 (@ 0.08%) at the time of disease appearance and 15 days after it, was proved to be the most effective in reducing disease
 incidence (78.69%) and in increasing seed yield (42.38%) over check followed by carbendazim and captan + hexaconazole.
 Conclusively, two sprays of tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin (0.08%) may be sprayed to minimize losses to get more
 benefits