Adoption of hygienic milk production practices and perceived constraints by dairy farmers

Alternaria brassicae is a major seed-borne pathogen affecting mustard (Brassica juncea L.), leading to substantial reductions in seed germination, seedling vigor and ultimately, crop yield. This study was conducted during 2022-2023 at the Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the efficacy of various treatments in managing A. brassicae infection. Treatments included biological agents (Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens), plant-based extracts (neem, eucalyptus), elicitors (salicylic acid, seaweed extract), and a chemical fungicide (Mancozeb). The Standard Blotter Technique (SBT) and field trial was employed to assess seed health parameters such as germination percentage, seedling vigor index (SVI), root and shoot length, and disease incidence. Among the treatments, Trichoderma viride showed the most promising results, significantly enhancing seed germination (84.80%), seedling vigor, and reducing fungal infection, with efficacy comparable to that of the chemical control, Mancozeb (85%). Salicylic acid and neem extract also demonstrated moderate effectiveness in improving seedling parameters. Field validation trials were conducted under natural conditions to assess the practical applicability of the most effective treatments. The field trials corroborated the laboratory findings, resulting in improved plant establishment, reduced disease incidence, and increased yield parameters. These results suggest that Trichoderma viride represents a potent biological alternative to chemical fungicides for the eco-friendly and sustainable management of Alternaria brassicae in mustard cultivation. Further studies involving integrated approaches and long-term field assessments are recommended to confirm its broad-scale applicability.