Vol. 8, Issue 12, Part A (2024)

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop belonging to the grass family graminae. Maize is known as-king of cereals because of its high production potential and wide adaptability after rice and wheat, it contributes almost 9 percent of India‘s food basket. However, a considerable proportion of the maize crop is damaged each year due to diseases caused by various bacteria, fungi and viruses. Southern leaf blight is major disease of maize, which caused by ascomycetous fungus Bipolaris maydis (Drechs.) [cochliobolus heterostrophus (Nisikado and Miyake) Shoemaker] synonym Helminthosporium maydis (Nisikado) is common in tropical and subtropical region. Therefore, present study Effect of botanical extracts against Southern leaf blight of Maize (Zea mays. L) Caused by Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado) Shoemaker was carried out in kharif season in the year 2023 under field conditions. 
Effect of treatments were evaluated on different growth and yield parameters of maize under field conditions. Maximum plant height @30 DAS (23.75cm), @60 DAS (109.26 cm) and @90 DAS (164.54 cm) and maximum number of leaves @30 DAS (8), @60 DAS (14.73), @90 DAS (18.13) were recorded in treatment Trichoderma viride @5g/kg + NSKE @10%. Trichoderma viride @5g/kg + NSKE @10% was found effective against reducing the disease intensity (%) @45 DAS (10.03%), @60 DAS (15.35%) and @75 DAS (34.40%) followed by Trichoderma viride @5g/kg + Ginger rhizome extract @10% @45 DAS (13.15%), @60 DAS (19.14%), @75 DAS (37.43%) and maximum was found in Trichoderma viride@5g/kg + Garlic clove extract @10% @45 DAS (23.73%),@60 DAS (30.92%), @75 DAS (50.78%) as compared to control @45 DAS (25.17%), @60 DAS (33.44%) and @75 DAS (53.59%). The maximum yield was found to be in Trichoderma viride @ 5g/kg + NSKE @10% (4.4 t/ha) as compared to control (2.5 t/ha) and the maximum cost benefit ratio was also found to be in Trichoderma viride @ 5g/kg + NSKE @10% (1:28).