Evaluating the Effectiveness of Various Fungitoxicants and Botanical Extracts against Alternaria Leaf Blight in Faba bean (Vicia faba), Caused by Alternaria alternata in In-vivo Condition

Background: A field study was conducted over three consecutive crop seasons (2022-2025) to evaluate the effectiveness of various fungitoxicants and botanical extracts against Alternaria leaf blight in faba bean, caused by Alternaria alternata. Thirteen treatments, including chemical fungicides, botanicals and their integrated applications, were assessed for their impact. Methods: The study employed a randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated thrice. Treatments included seed treatment with Azoxystrobin, foliar sprays of Chlorothalonil, NSKE, garlic extract and their combinations. Disease intensity, percent disease control, yield and test weight were recorded and statistically analyzed over pooled data from 2022 to 2025. Result: The results revealed that the combination of Azoxystrobin seed treatment (10 ml/kg) with Chlorothalonil 75 WP foliar spray (0.15%) was the most effective, recording the lowest PDI (12.45%), highest PDC (74.08%), maximum yield (24.23 q/ha) and highest test weight (91.73 g). Other effective treatments included Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP and combinations of Azoxystrobin with NSKE or Garlic Extract. Standalone botanical treatments were comparatively less effective. The untreated control showed the highest disease severity (PDI: 47.06%) and the lowest yield (19.40 q/ha), emphasizing the importance of effective disease management.