Enhancing the Resistance of Quinoa to Alternaria Leaf Spot through the Application of Microalgae and Organic Manure

Abstract

In order to assess the impact of an eco-friendly approach on plant development and yield of the quinoa crop, a Randomized Block Design (RBD) field experiment was carried out in Central Research Farm (CRF) at Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. during the Rabi season of 2019-2020. Alternaria are extremely difficult to control, result in significant yield losses, and lower the economic value of the crop plants in traditional production systems. Chemical fungicides including antrocol, captan, difolaton, dithane M-45, and blitox-50 provided effective control but are harmful to the environment. Other potential management strategies for Alternaria diseases include the use of bio-control agents, therapeutic plants, other plant-based products, etc. Cow dung, goat manure, and microalgae were the organic amendments employed as treatment. The Alternaria spp. that cause Quinoa leaf spot were shown to be most susceptible to the treatment T6, which contained cow dung at a rate of 6 tons per hectare, microalgae at a rate of 2.5 kilograms per hectare, and goat manure at a rate of 3 tons per hectare. The maximum plant height (cm) at 40, 80, and 120 DAS is 62.29, 90.48, and 117.31, respectively. At 120 DAS, the same treatment produced a maximum yield of (23.45 q/ha). The same treatment yielded the highest gross return, net return, and cost- benefit ratio, which were, respectively, Rs. 70350/ha, 41326/ha, and 1:1.42. Based on the results, it was determined that cow dung at 6 tons per hectare, microalgae at 2.5 kg per hectare, and goat manure at 3 tons per hectare were the most effective pesticides against Alternaria spp. of Quinoa in Prayagraj.