Ecofriendly approaches, using biological control and induced systemic resistance for management of leaf blight in elephant foot yam

Among the various fungicides and bio-agents tested for management of leaf blight, foliar spray with Carbendazim was found to be best in reducing the disease incidence in elephant foot yam. Single foliar sprays with Propiconazole was observed at par with Carbendazim. Lowest leaf blight severity and highest yield was also obtained after two foliar sprays with Carbendazim. Foliar application of antagonists either individual (Trichoderma herzianum or Pseudomonous fluorscens) or a mixture of these two, also exhibited quite considerable level of reduction of incidence and severity but yield increase was not at par with those recorded in case of chemical application. Corm treatment with antagonists either individual (Trichoderma herzianum or Pseudomonous fluorscens) or a mixture of these two in a ratio of either 3:1 or 1:1 also resulted in reduction of leaf blight severity indicating a role of bioagents in induction of Systemic resistance (ISR).