Induced resistance in maize by combination of bio-agent and fungicide for the management of maydis leaf blight

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Maydis Leaf Blight (MLB) or Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) caused by Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado) Shoemaker is a serious foliar disease of maize distributed widely in maize producing areas throughout the world grown under warm and humid conditions. The present study was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology during 2016 to 2018 to investigate the efficacy of enzymatic activity in maize plants treated with T. harzianum + tricyclazole 18% + mancozeb 62% WP. Among various treatment tested, the plants treated with combination treatment involving seed treatment with T. harzianum @ 4g/kg of seeds and foliar spray with Tricyclazole 18% + Mancozeb 62% WP @0.1% on 35 and 50^th DAS recorded maximum activity of defense related enzymes viz., PO (0.61), PPO (0.68), PAL (177.49). Enhancement of defense enzymes in maize crop treated in combination with biocontrol agent and fungicide plays a significant role in management of Maydis leaf blight.