Field Evaluation of Maize Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease by Using Botanicals and Cow Based Natural Products

Abstract

Maize is one of the most important food crops in the world. In India, it is the third most significant cereal crop after rice and wheat, cultivated across diverse environmental conditions. Among the major diseases affecting maize, banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases, caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii. Use of chemicals may give rise to undesirable biological effects on animals and human beings therefore ecofriendly management practices for better crop health management and yield. The present studies were undertaken to work out the efficacy of botanicals and cow based natural products (CBNP) along with one positive control (propiconazole @ 0.1%) for the management of BLSB under field condition for two seasons rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20. Analysis revealed that Karanj leaf extract @ 15%+Panchagavya @ 5%, Propiconazole @ 0.1%, T3-Panchagavya @ 5% and Karanj leaf extract @ 15% were found effective against BLSB. The identified sources can be used further in strengthening the plant protection in maize against BLSB.