Efficacy of Different Botanicals Extracts Against Sclerotinia Blight of Brinjal (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) under In vivo Conditions

Abstract

Among the various diseases the sclerotinia blight (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is an important disease which causes loss in quality and quantity of fruits of brinjal. In between crop seasons, the species of Sclerotinia mainly survive through sclerotia which may be present on soil surface in unploughedfields or in crop debris or as admixture with the seed. In past, brinjal sclerotinia blight disease has been managed by various method, viz. chemical, cultural, biological Control and use of resistant varieties. However, it was observed that pathogens have developed resistance against regular use of chemicals. The uses of alternative management are best option for management of this disease such as resistant varieties and bio-agent/biological control.Between crop seasons, Sclerotinia species rely on sclerotia, which can be found on the surface of the soil in unploughed fields, in crop debris, or as an admixture with the seed. In the past, brinjal sclerotinia blight disease was treated with a variety of methods, including chemical, cultural, and biological treatments. Control and the utilisation of resistant cultivars are also important. Pathogens, on the other hand, have acquired resistance to the application of chemicals on a frequent basis. Alternative management strategies, such as resistant varieties and bio-agent/biological control, are the greatest options for managing this disease.Five plant extracts viz., Garlic, Neem, Ocimum, Dhatura, Onion were tested in vivo against Sclerotiniasclerotiorumat 10 per cent and 15 per cent concentration. All plant extracts were more or less effective and exhibited reduction in sclerotinia blight disease incidence. The effectivity of extracts increased with an increase in concentration. At ten per cent concentration, minimum disease incidence was found in Garlic (18.85%) followed by Neem (20.21%), Ocimum (22.67%), Dhatura (24.07%) and Onion (28.11%) extract as compared to untreated plants (33.07%). Maximum disease severity control (42.99%) was recorded in Garlic followed by Neem (38.88%), Ocimum (31.44%), Dhatura (27.14%) While minimum was recorded in Onion (14.99%). At 15% concentration the most effective was found in garlic which exhibited maximum disease severity control (50.57%) was recorded in Garlic followed by Neem (47.69%), Ocimum (38.50%), Dhatura (37.38%) While minimum was recorded in Onion (23.69%).