Non-chemical management of stem rot disease of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Abstract

Stem rot of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is considered as one of the major constraints for greenfodder and seed yield. Berseem stem rot is incited by a soil borne pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Botanicalextracts of Aegle marmelos, Melia azedarach, Murraya koenigii, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) and organicproducts like panchagavya, compost tea and poultry manure were evaluated for the management of stem rotdisease. Botanical extracts were applied as foliar spray and seed treatment as well and organic inputs wereapplied as soil application and foliar spray. Among botanicals, application of A. marmelos showed a significantreduction in stem rot by 54.50% with 24.20% increase in green fodder yield. Among organic inputs, applicationof panchagavya significantly controlled the stem rot disease by 46.15% and enhanced the green fodder yieldby 21.30% than untreated control. Application of panchagavya followed by A. marmelos leaf extracts alongwith significant disease control also enhanced green fodder yield during both seasons. Average diseasecontrol attained by application of panchagavya and A. marmelos was 54.50 and 46.15% and enhanced greenfodder yield was 24.20 and 21.30%, respectively. The current study showed that plant extracts and organicinputs have potential for the management of stem rot of berseem.