Prioritizing components of package of integrated pest management in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in India for better economic benefit

Abstract

Almost one-fourth of India's oilseed production is contributed by Brassicas. The Indian mustard [Brassica juncea] crop is affected by several biotic stresses in India, including aphid, white rust, Alternaria blight and Sclerotinia rot, which affect crop yields. The highest reduction in severity of white rust disease was observed due to seed treatment by metalaxyl M 31.8 ES @6ml/kg of seed in one experiment and by foliar spray of a combination of mancozeb 64% + metalaxyl 4% @ 1.7 g a.i. / l in another trial, the later being economically inferior to other fungitoxicants. The highest incremental benefit cost ratio (IBCR) was noted with treatment of seed by an aqueous extract of garlic bulb (2% w/v) in one trial and by application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 1 g/l in another trial over spray of cropfoliage over two years and over three levels of nitrogen. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 1 g a.i./10 l ranked better than all other spray tretments in decreasing population of aphid in the top 10cm main shoot at two sites. Pre-sowing application of T.harzianum @ 2.5 kg/ha in soil provided better mustard seed yield in combination with spray with thiamethoxam 25 WG @1 g a. i. / 10 l on crop foliage and treatment of sedd with T. harzianum @ 10 g/kg seed. This paper highlights the impact of inputs costs, which allows growers to decide inputs based on the prevalence of biotic stress (es), the decision on intervention baseed on the importance of the same with an idea about the resultant quantifiable and monetary impact.