Abstract

IN VIVO MANAGEMENT OF EARLY BLIGHT DISEASE OF POTATO WITH HERBAL FORMULATION

Deepa Hada* and Kanika Sharma

ABSTRACT

In the present study investigates the in vivo management of early blight disease of potato by seed dipping and foliar spray with herbal formulation from Cassia fistula L. fruit pulp extract in combination with neem oil cake and cow dung. The preventive action was studied as a function of decrease in disease severity, change in growth characteristics of host plant such as number of leaves/plant, plant height, number of tubers, tuber weight, and tuber size of healthy, infected and treated plants. Six treatments i.e. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were applied in different combinations. Four different controls i.e. C1, C2, C3 and C4 were also maintained. Results suggested that T4 treatment not only reduces the infection but also leads to increased growth, health and vigour of the host plant as compare to other treatments. This combination observed to show significant activity against Alternaria solani and can help to minimize the economical loss of potato crop. Data were subjected to analysis of CD and CV value and statistical analysis at 5% and 1% CD revealed that all the treatments are significant.

Keywords: Herbal formulation, neem oil cake, cow dung, potato, Alternaria solani.