Ecofriendly Management of Turcicum Leaf Blight of Maize

Among the plant extracts, all the plant extracts inhibit the mycelial growth of Exserohilum turcicum, Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel extract @ 10% was effective in reducing the growth of Exserohilum turcicum. Foliar spray of Azadirachta indica seed extract was also found most effective among plant extract showing the minimum disease severity (25.4%) and maximum grain yield (24.1q/ha). while Eucalyptus citriodora 10% concentration were low effective as comparison to Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum in inhibition of Exserohilum turcicum growth and produced 72.8% lower grain yield as compare to Azadirachta indica. Minimum grain yield was recorded in check plots. Six fungicides also tested, Zineb 75 WP @ 0.25 % concentration found most effective in inhibiting the growth of E. turcicum, low in disease severity and ultimately produced higher grain yield of maize. Mancozeb 63%+Carbendazim 12% @ 0.25% was found equally effective which can be used as an alternative to Zineb.