Bio-efficacy of Organic and Natural Products against Rhizoctonia solani Causing Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB), primarily caused by the necrotrophic soil-borne fungus Rhizoctonia solani, significantly affects the yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.). Managing banded leaf and sheath blight with organic and natural products offers environmental benefits, reduces resistance development, and alignment with consumer demand for pesticide-free produce. It also promotes soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability in farming, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments. Six natural/organic products viz., Eupatorium ark, Dashparni, Khatti lassi, Matkakhad, Ghanjeevamrit and Compost tea, procured from Department of Organic Agriculture, COA, CSKHPKV, Palampur were tested at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per cent concentrations against Rhizoctonia solani using Poisoned Food Technique. All the products inhibited mycelial growth. Highest mycelial growth inhibition was observed at 50 per cent concentration of each product ranging from 27.78 in compost tea to 100 per cent in Eupatorium ark, Dashparni and Khatti lassi.