Evaluation of plant protection schedules for the management of major diseases and pests of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 with cumin varieties RZ 209 and GC 4 to evaluate the disease and pest management schedules (Schedule I, Schedule II, Schedule III and Schedule IV). The schedule I (S1) comprised the recommended disease and pest management practices and Schedule IV (S4) comprised the organic treatments, whereas, Schedule II (S2) and Schedule III (S3) included new chemical molecules. The results showed that S2 comprised seed treatment with tabuconazole and alternate spraying with mancozeb and propiconazole coupled with spraying of acetamiprid, imidachloprid and dinocap resulted in significant reduction of blight, powdery mildew and aphids. It has also recorded highest seed yield (540 and 694 kg/ha) with increase in seed yield over untreated control by 157-192%. The S2 was followed by S3 where blight PDI and aphid population was reduced by 41-55% and 82-92% as compared to untreated control and increase in yield by 92-122%.