Management of Alternaria blight disease of mustard through biofungicides

Abstract

Alternaria blight, caused by Alternaria brassicae, is a major disease affecting mustard crops, leading to significant yield losses. Traditional chemical fungicides have been extensively used to manage this disease, but concerns over environmental pollution, development of resistance, and potential health hazards have shifted the focus towards alternative strategies. Biofungicides, derived from natural sources such as microbes, plants, and their products, have emerged as promising alternatives for managing Alternaria blight while ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact. The purpose of the present study was the use of biofungicides as a more sustainable alternative for managing Alternaria blight in mustard at Amity University, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The organic treatment included FYM, Neem oil, Trichoderma viride in different combinations. Pusa Sag1 variety was used for the field study. The present findings revealed the significance differences were recorded in different growth stages of mustard among the various treatment tested. It has been found that minimum disease incidence was observed in T5-Trichoderma viride + FYM + Neem oil (3%), followed by T4Trichoderma viride + Neem oil (13%), T3Trichoderma viride (15%), T2Neem oil(28%), T1FYM(28%). Biofungicides holds great promise for sustainable disease control while minimizing environmental risks and promoting agricultural resilience.