Efficacy of fungicides for management of sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) of paddy

Rice sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, causes significant yield losses in rice crop worldwide by damaging leaf sheaths and reducing grain quality. A field trial was conducted during kharif 2023 and 2024 seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of two fungicides namely Glo-it (propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC @500 ml/ha) and Pulser (Thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L) in managing rice sheath blight in variety Sabour Sampann under natural conditions. Out of two fungicides tested, propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC @500 ml/ha was found to be the most effective in controlling the disease. The data revealed that the percentage of disease incidence and severity were significantly lower in crop treated with a combination (propiconazole13.9%+difenconazole13.9%EC) at 500ml/ha(63.08%and 40.76%) followed by crop treated with thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L (66.97% and 43.69%). Significantly higher grain yield (37.72 q/ha) was also observed in the crop treated with combination product (propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC) @ 500 ml/ha followed by thifluzamide 24 SC @ 1 ml/ L (36.28 q/ha) and the lowest yield of 34.25 q/ha was recorded in the farmers' practice plot. The benefit cost ratio was also found higher in tested propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC(1:2.41) and thifluzamide 24 SC (1:2.32) sprayed plots compared to farmers' practice plots. Hence, it can be concluded that propiconazole13.9%+difenconazole13.9%EC at a rate of 500 ml/ha, followed by thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L, were effective fungicides in reducing sheath blight severity and increasing grain yield.