Evaluation of Efficacy of Fungicides Against Zonate Leaf Spot of Sorghum Caused by Gloeocercospora sorghi

Zonate leaf spot caused by Gloeocercospora sorghi Bain & Edgerton is one of the most destructive diseases of sorghum in India and Uttarakhand is considered as a hot spot for this disease. Effect of fungicides at different concentrations was evaluated under in-vitro and in-vivo condition. Hundred percent growth inhibition of the pathogen was recorded with Bavistin, Saaf, Curzate, Quintal, Captan and Tilt at 25, 50, 100 and 200ppm concentration in-vitro. Bavistin, Curzate and Quintal inhibited growth completely at low concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0ppm) also. Under field conditions, seed treatment followed by two foliar sprays with Bavistin proved best as it reduced the maximum disease severity (48.80%) and increased plant height (6.15%) and stem diameter (32.47%) over control. In foliar spray field experiment, maximum reduction of disease severity was noted with two sprays of Bavistin (23.37%).