Udhayakumar M, Sowmith SM, Satheeshkumar E and Akshayavani M

A field experiment was conducted in summer 2025 at Jaya Agricultural College, Vyasapuram, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate botanical and chemical treatments against powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) in Bhendi (Var. Ankur-41). The trial followed a Randomized Block Design with five treatments: Neem Leaf Extract 10% (T1), Neem Leaf Extract 20% (T2), Garlic Extract 5% (T3), Wettable Sulphur (T4), and an untreated control (T5), each replicated thrice. Neem Leaf Extract 20% (T2) significantly reduced disease severity (PDI: 21.5), closely followed by Wettable Sulphur (T4) with the lowest PDI of 18.8, compared to 52.5 in the control. Statistical analysis showed highly significant differences (F = 716.9, p<0.001). T2 also recorded the highest yield parameters: plant height (53.0 cm), fruits per plant (23), fruit weight (43.0 g), and yield (4.50 t/ha), followed by T4. These were statistically significant (F = 32.0, p<0.001). Phytotoxicity scores were minimal for botanicals (T1: 0.5, T2: 0.7, T3: 0.6), while T4 showed mild scorch symptoms (score: 2.5). No phytotoxicity was observed in the control. In conclusion, Neem Leaf Extract 20% proved to be an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, offering strong disease control and yield benefits with minimal phytotoxic risk-suitable for sustainable and organic farming practices.

Pages: 88-91  |  262 Views  111 Downloads