Evaluation of Fungicides and Biocontrol Agents for Managing Powdery Mildew Disease in Okra

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Chemical Agriculture Research Farm, Narayan Bagh, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), to evaluate the efficacy of various fungicidal, botanical, and biological treatments against powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The study was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications, using the susceptible variety UPRI-900. Disease incidence and severity were recorded at four intervals: initial appearance and after three successive spray applications. Results revealed that Sulphur 0.3% (T1) was the most effective treatment, achieving the lowest mean disease incidence (17.80%) and highest per cent disease control (63.94%), followed by Hexaconazole 0.1% (T2) and Propiconazole 0.1% (T3). Biopesticides like Neem oil (T5) and Trichoderma spp. (T6, T7) showed moderate efficacy but were less effective under high disease pressure. Dinocap 4% (T8) performed poorly, recording the highest disease severity among treated plots. The untreated control (T9) exhibited maximum disease progression, underlining the need for timely disease management. The study concludes that Sulphur, Hexaconazole, and Propiconazole can be effectively integrated into powdery mildew management strategies in okra, while biocontrol agents offer sustainable alternatives under low to moderate disease pressure.