Mustard based bio-pesticide: efficacy against diseases & pests of pomegranate

Abstract

Not AvailablePomegranate production is affected by various pests and diseases. Among them bacterial blight of pomegranate caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae assumed epidemic form spreading to all pomegranate growing states of India resulting in abandoning of crop by the farmers. Management of bacterial blight of pomegranate is a major concern. This disease could not be effectively managed with conventional antibiotics in field conditions. However, scientists are applying integrated approaches to manage the disease. Although various efforts have been made to manage this disease using integrated approaches, still it is a devastating disease. Demand in the international market calls for a chemical free and eco-friendly management strategy. X. axonopodis pv. Punicae infections are presently reported not only from India but also South Africa and Turkey hence the species is also a potential threat to pomegranate-growing areas of the world. Eco-friendly biological methods have not found much success under high disease pressure. Moreover, there is no promising bacterial blight resistant cultivar. Keeping in view ICAR-CIPHET was worked on development, production and evaluation of mustard based bio pesticide formulations. Initially the study was conducted against the bacterial blight of pomegranate, interestingly the formulations worked well on pests of pomegranate with significant mortality. Thus, the study took a new direction and we studied the formulations against the different insect pests affecting pomegranate production along with the bacterial blight. The compilation of all the results with the advantages of using this developed mustard-based formulation is put together to form this technical bulletin. This publication also complies material on Diseases and Pests of Pomegranate from available sources for the ready reference.