Efficacy of different contact, combi and systemic fungicides against Alternaria alternata causing leaf blight in little millet

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is one of the hardiest minor cereal crops indigenous to Indian sub-continent. The crop is cultivated by tribal and poor farmers for food and feed. Leaf blight disease has been a major production constraint for successful cultivation of little millet. Leaf blight pathogen was confirmed as Alternaria alternata based on morphocultural characteristics and molecular characters (ITS, SSU, Species specific primer: AA and major allergen Alt a1 gene regions). Efficacy of different contact, combi and systemic fungicides was evaluated against the leaf blight pathogen. Highest mean mycelial growth inhibition was observed in mancozeb (78.43%), tebuconazole 50% WG + trifloxystrobin 25% WG (95.74%) and hexaconazole (100.0%) amongst different contact fungicides, combi products and systemic fungicides, respectively.