Effect of Selected Bio-agents and Botanical on Alternarial Leafspot of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the important spice crops of Apiaceae family. Coriander seeds are used as medicine to cure indigestion, dysentery, vomiting as well as cold and like all other green leafy vegetables, its leaves are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and iron. The country's annual production of coriander seeds in the year 2021 was over 822 thousand metric tons cultivated over 2.92 lakh hectares. Alternarial leaf spot of Coriander which is caused by Alternaria alternata is one major disease in the coriander. The Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtillis and Garlic extract were tested under field conditions during rabi season 2021 for their efficacy against the disease and growth & yield parameters. Among the treatments the maximum plant height (cm) at 90 DAS was recorded in T2 – Trichoderma viride+ Pseudomonas fluorescens followed by T3 – Pseudomonas fluorescens as compared to untreated check control T0. The maximum number of branches at 45 DAS was recorded in T2 – Trichoderma viride+ Pseudomonas fluorescens followed by T3 – Pseudomonas fluorescens as compared to untreated check control T0. The maximum root length at 90 DAS was recorded in T5– Trichoderma viride+ Bacillus subtillis followed by T2 – Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens as compared to untreated check control T0. The minimum disease intensity (%) at 75 DAS was recorded in T2 – Trichoderma viride+ Pseudomonas fluorescens, followed by T1–Trichoderma viride as compared to untreated check control T0. The maximum yield (q/acre) of onion was recorded T4 –Trichoderma viride +Pseudomonas fluorescens followed by T1 – Trichoderma viride as compared to untreated control T0.