EFFICACY OF NUTRIENTS AND FUNGICIDES AGAINST ALTERNARIA LEAF BLIGHT OF MULBERRY.

The efficacy of different nutrients (CaCl₂, FeSO₄, MgCl₂, MgSO₄, KCl, KNO₃, NaCl, NaNO₃ & ZnSO₄) and fungicides (Bavistin, Kavach, Roko, Trifen, Blitox & Indofil M-45) against the mycelial growth and conidial germination of Alternaria alternata causing leaf blight disease of mulberry was assessed at 1000 and 2000 ppm concentrations. Results revealed that Ferrous sulphate and Blitox (Copper oxychloride 50% WP) at 1000 & 2000 ppm were found effective against A. alternata under in vitro conditions. They were further evaluated individually and in combination for their efficacy against Alternaria leaf blight under field conditions. It was observed that Ferrous sulphate @ 0.2% in two foliar sprays was most effective and reduced the disease severity to an extent of 85.62% besides increasing the leaf yield up to 23.04%, which was significantly higher than that of the recommended method (two foliar sprays of 0.2% Indofil M-45). The present study indicates that, ferrous sulphate @ 0.2% in two foliar sprays can be used for effective management of Alternaria leaf blight disease in mulberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]