Integrated Management Approaches for Alternaria Blight of Brassicas Caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk) Sacc.

Abstract

The occurrence of Alternaria leaf blight, caused by Alternaria brassicae, has emerged as a major limiting factor in Mustard production worldwide. A comprehensive study was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Rabi season 2024-25 to evaluate fungicides, botanicals, and bioagents for disease management in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The results from the current study revealed that foliar spray of Carbendazim + Mancozeb (0.1%) demonstrated superior efficacy, recording the lowest disease intensity of 19.7% and 24.50% at 45 and 60 DAS respectively, compared to 53.50% and 67.50% in control treatments and enhanced plant growth parameters including root length, shoot length, plant height, siliqua number, and seed yield per plant. In vitro studies using poisoned food technique revealed that Carbendazim + Mancozeb achieved maximum growth inhibition of 91.17%, 92.05%, and 94.11% after 24, 48, and 72 hours respectively. Screening of twenty mustard genotypes identified four resistant, five moderately resistant, eight moderately susceptible, one susceptible, and two highly susceptible genotypes, with no genotype showing complete immunity. The integrated approach combining chemical fungicides with biological agents offers promising potential for effective management of Alternaria leaf blight in mustard cultivation.