Integrated Management of Alternaria radicina in Carrot Seed Production:Efficacy of Fungicides and Plant Extracts

Abstract

Carrot is an important crop used in fresh as well as processed form. Seeds can encounter various microorganisms during production, storage, and transportation. These microbes especially fungi, can cause infections that damages the seeds. The consequences of these fungal attacks include reduced germination rates, loss of vigour, shortened storage life, and physiological alterations that impact the seed's health and quality. Alternaria radicina is commonly found on carrot seeds. Whenever alone or associated with Alternaria dauci on the plant. Present research trials focussed on isolation of Alternaria pathogen and its integrated management. For this purpose, infected fruit samples were collected from Vegetable Research Institute and as well as from the local markets and associated pathogen were isolated and multiplied on artificial growth medium. Management trials were performed by using different fungicides through poisoned food technique. Different plant extracts namely Datura, Garlic, Neem and Safeda and chemicals namely Hombre, Cobox, Menzob and Carbendazim will be evaluated. Results of all the experiments of fungicides and plant extracts revealed that out of four tested fungicides and plant extracts Cobox and Garlic gives best results against A. radicina mycelial growth and disease control. Results also showed that deep red variety is highly resistance of A. radicina and garlic extract was effective at all studied concentration. This variety may be beneficial in the future against the A. radicina pathogen in carrot breeding.