Effect of Different Mulching Sources for Management of Downy Mildew of Isbagol Caused by Peronospora plantaginis

Abstract

Sporangia emerged with stomata on the lower surfaces of infected leaf. Sporangia germinate either by direct germ tube or forming biflagellate zoospore which spread the downy mildew diseases. Isbagol play a significant role in the medicinal industry. It has an enormous effect on minimising digestive issues. Downy mildew of isbagol is caused by oomycetes fungi Peronospora plantaginis. Isbagol downy mildew symptoms start appearing up 30 to 35 days after sowing. Management of downy mildew is a challenge in conventional farming to the growers because they are not adopting advanced methods of disease control. Integrated disease management is the most effective way to manage downy mildew disease of isbagol. In the current study, different mulching sources and metalaxyl fungicide were used to manage the effect of downy mildew on isbagol. Seeds of isbagol were collected from the Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ANDUA & T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya for carried out the experiments. Among the treatments, minimum per cent disease intensity, highest per cent disease control and highest growth attribute of isbagol were observed T5 - Vetiver leaves (Vetiveria zizaniodes) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%. Maximum per cent disease control was observed (49.77 - 63.07%) in T5 - Vetiver leaves (V. zizaniodes) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% followed by (40.55-56.09%) in T7 - Kas leaves (S. sponteneum) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 36.71-53.44% in T2 - White polythene + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 23.41- 47.53% in T3 - Paddy straw + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%, 19.79- 46.58% in T1 - Black polythene + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% and 14.70 - 45.72% in T4 - Lemongrass leaves (C. flexuosus) + two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25%. Although the two foliar sprays of Metalaxyl at 0.25% significantly reduced the percent disease intensity 8.07-37.78 percent over the control. Organic mulches slowly decompose and provide organic matter which helps greater organic carbon, a source of plant nutrients and there by improves plant growth and yield.