Integrated disease management of sterility mosaic in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

Sterility Mosaic Disease (SMD) is considered as the most destructive disease caused by Pigeonpea Sterility Mosaic Virus (PSMV). PSMV is transmitted by a vector, eriophyid mite (Aceria cajani), causing a heavy loss in yield under Indian condition. The eriophyid mite, Aceria cajani, therefore its control is important to have higher productivity in the crop. Our study showed that spraying of fenopyroximate 5% EC (1.5 ml L⁻¹) at 25, 40 and 55 DAS (Days After Sowing) recorded lowest SMD incidence of 1.47, 25.6 and 35.9 per cent, respectively cumulatively resulting in 49.7 per cent disease reduction (at 55 DAS) over the control. As a result, this treatment yielded maximum (1630 kg/ha). This was followed by with spraying of Propargite 57%EC@1.5 mlL*⁻¹ (T3) at 25, 40 and 55 DAS (1370 kg/ha).