Vol. 11, Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
B Lalnunmawii and Sobita Simon

Abstract:
Broccoli is an economically important vegetable and India is the second largest producer in the world. Alternaria leaf spot is one of the most important disease in crucifers which causes serious yield and quality loss in production. Microalgal bio-stimulants are able to stimulate the growth and protect from many diseases of several crops under both optimal and stressful condition. It helps in generating multiple benefits, such as enhanced rooting, higher crop yields and quality and tolerance to drought and salt stress. The bioactive ingredients of neem have also shown to be efficacious in controlling several crop diseases. Keeping in view of the above mentioned facts, the following treatments like – Microalgae at different doses, Neem oil and SMC were utilized for controlling Alternaria leaf spot of broccoli. Neem oil @ 3% and Microalgae at different doses was applied three times at an interval of 15 days after appearance of the disease. Spent mushroom compost was applied 7 days before transplanting broccoli. Among all the treatments highest percent reduction of disease intensity in Alternaria brassicae was found in T6 @8% microalgae, 3% neem oil and SMC. T6 was recorded to significantly increase in higher plant height (cm), width of curd (cm) and weight of curd (g) at 26.60 cm, 28.06 cm and 247.46 g respectively.