Integrated Disease Management Strategies for Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis) in Pearl Millet: Efficacy of Chemical, Botanical and Biological Treatments under Field Conditions
Pramod Kumar Yadav *
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Jitendra Kumar Babele
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Saurabh Singh
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Chanchal Yadav
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Pawan Kumar
Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ergot disease of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) caused by Claviceps fusiformis is a major constraint to grain yield and quality in susceptible cultivars. The present field investigation was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the Chemical Research Farm, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides, botanicals, and a bio-agent for ergot management under natural epiphytotic conditions. Disease incidence and percent disease control were recorded at maturity. Among treatments, Propiconazole 25% EC (0.05%) was most effective, recording the lowest disease incidence and highest percent disease control, followed by Carbendazim 50 WP (0.1%) and Mancozeb 75 WP (0.2%). Botanical extracts of neem and garlic provided moderate control, while seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum was less effective but still superior to the untreated control. The results indicate that integrating effective fungicides with eco-friendly botanicals and bio-agents could form a sustainable Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategy for ergot in pearl millet.
Keywords: Pearl millet, ergot disease, Claviceps fusiformis, fungicides, botanicals, bio-agents, integrated disease management