Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Ramesh Ippikoppa, Kiran Kumar KC, RK Mesta, Kulapathi Hipparagi, HM Pallavi and S Raghavendra

Abstract:
A field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of bio-agents and botanical extracts against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae causing bacterial blight in pomegranate. The study involved multiple treatments, including bacterial bio-agents (Isolate SM-1A, VK-6B, BK-6, KK-9A) and botanical extracts (garlic, kokum, prosopis), a standard check (Streptocycline + COC), and an untreated control. Treatments were applied five times at fortnightly intervals and various parameters were assessed. Garlic extract exhibited significant disease reduction, with notable percentage reductions in lesions per leaf (77.80%), leaf infection (79.61%), leaf area infected (81.08%), twig infection (71.43%), twig lesion size (75.96%), lesions per fruit (73.63%), and fruit infection (72.47%). Standard check treatment demonstrated the highest potency in disease reduction across multiple parameters. Kokum extract and VK-6B bio-agent isolate also showed promise in disease management. The study underscores the potential of garlic extract, VK-6B bio-agent, and kokum extract for effective and eco-friendly control of pomegranate bacterial blight. Further research is warranted to explore active compounds and refine disease management strategies.