Efficacy of Selected Bio-Agents and Neem Cake on Cercospora Leaf Spot and Growth of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is a vital pulse crop globally and one of the most vital pulse in India. It is understood to be affected by many varieties of diseases, Cercospora leaf spot is certainly considered one among them. Cercospora leaf spot due to Cercospora canescens causes much damage to the production of black gram. The neem cake, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Carbendazim were tested under field conditions during Rabi 2020-2021 for their efficacy against the disease and growth and yield parameters. A survey was conducted during Rabi, 2020-2021 to know the severity of Cercospora leaf spot of black gram in farmer’s fields in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. In-situ (field) experiment was carried out in randomized block design with five treatments and three replications. The highest plant height at 60 DAS (56.96 cm), fresh weight (35.59 gm), dry weight (14.98 gm), number of pods per plant (18.17 pods/plant), yield (7.96 q/ha) and Benefit Cost ratio (1:3.48) showing better result when treated with treatment neem cake @ 0.5 t/ha + Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha.  The treatment T1 – neem cake @ 0.5 t/ha + Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha significantly decreased the disease intensity at 30, 45 and 60 DAS (10.02%), (12.02%) and (16.42%) respectively. It is concluded that T1 – neem cake @ 0.5 t/ha + Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha found superior in all the growth and yield parameters.