Assessment of yield losses and management of Southern corn rust (<i>Puccinia polysora</i>) through the foliar application of chemical fungicides, botanicals extract and bio-agents

Southern corn rust (SCR), caused by <i>Puccinia polysora</i>, is a global maize disease of great concern. Over two consecutive years (2020–2021), a study was conducted in farmers’ fields using the sweet corn cultivar Sugar 75 to evaluate eight chemical fungicides, six botanical extracts, and three biocontrol agents for SCR management. Results from one-way ANOVA analysis indicated significant differences among treatments (<i>p &lt; 0.01</i>), with disease severity ranging from 16.67 to 94.44% (pooled data). Treatments exhibited varying effectiveness in disease management, directly impacting yield (q/ha), 1000-seed weight, and °Brix percent compared to the control. Notably, Azoxystrobin 18.2% w/w + Difenoconazole11.1% w/w S.C. among chemical treatments showed the highest disease control (82.35%). Turmeric (41.57%) among botanicals and <i>Trichoderma harzianum</i> (35.68%) among bio-agents also demonstrated notable disease control percentages compared to control. Also, our study suggests that at least two sprayings are necessary for effectively managing <i>P. polysora.</i>