Management of Sclerotinia rot of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under eastern Rajasthan conditions

Abstract

Bharatpur region of Rajasthan state in India is known as Indian mustard bowl and has higher productivity (13.4 q/ha) as
compared to state (12.9 q/ha) and nation (11.8 q/ha). During Rabi 2015-16, Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was
grown in about 7.49 lakh hectare and the average productivity was 17.2 q/ha. In present scenario of non- availability of
host resistance, there is need for developing cost effective and eco-friendly Integrated management strategies. Use of
bio-control agent is advantageous, as they are often effective against wide range of soil borne pathogens. An ecofriendly
integrated disease management technology, particularly use of Trichoderma and garlic extract have been
validated on large area of farmer’s field during Rabi 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 in five villages of district Dholpur
(Rajasthan) in the form of On Farm Trials (OFT). Results showed that seed treatment with Trichoderma @ 10 gm/kg seed
+ garlic extract @ 25 gm/kg seed. gave highest yield (21.1 qt./ha in 2011-12, 21.1 qt./ha in 2012-13 and 21.5 qt./ha in 2013-
14), B:C Ratio (1: 5.76 in 2011-12, 1: 5.76 in 2012-13 and 1: 3.42 in 2013-14) is higher than farmers local practice. Farmer’s
could be benefited by enhancing productivity of Indian mustard through adopting new management practices.