Evaluation of Neem Leaf Extract against Anthracnose, Leaf Blight and Rust Diseases of Sorghum

Abstract

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2005 and 2006 at Gobbur Wadi area of Afzalpur Taluk, Gulbarga district. Sorghum plants were randomly selected and the three concentrations (10, 20, and 30%) of Neem leaf extract (NLE) were sprayed at the successive periods of 15, 30 and 45 days, respectively and percent disease incidence was recorded. Among the three major foliar fungal diseases studied, rust was dominant (PDI 73.60) on 2005 Kharif crop, followed by leaf blight (PDI 68.40) and anthracnose (PDI 66.40). After the treatment of NLE, the disease incidence was reduced. Among the three concentrations sprayed, 30% NLE concentration was most effective (PDI 13.20) when compared to 20% NLE (PDI 13.20) and 10% NLE treatment (PDI 24.20). During both the years, rust was a predominant disease, when compared to leaf blight and anthracnose.

Keywords: Sorghum diseases, Neem leaf extract, anthracnose, leaf blight and rust