Integrated approach to manage false smut in paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

In most part of the Uttar Pradesh including Jaunpur district false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is becoming a major disease of rice causing yield losses where rice is cultivated. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaunpur conducted on farm trial on the integrated approach for management of false smut in paddy on 10 farmers’ fields in two village viz. Alhadiya and Utreejpur of the district Jaunpur during kharif 2018 and 2019. Technological gap between improved management practices and farmers practices were studied based on survey and group discussion with farmers interactive group (FIG) of rice growers. The integrated approaches i.e., seed and soil treatment with Trichoderma (6g/kg seed and 2.5 kg/ha), recommended dose of nitrogen (120kg/ha), weed management with Bispyribac-sodium10% EC @ 200ml/ha at 25 days after transplanting (DAT), removal of infected panicle carefully and spraying of fungicide Propiconazole 13.9 + Difenoconazole 13.9% EC @ 500ml/ha at booting stage. On an average disease reduction was 75.41 per cent recorded with the use of integrated disease management approach. There was 34.29 per cent more yield in recommended practices plots than control and the highest net return and benefit to cost ratio was also obtained by application of recommended practices.