Plant-derived Products for Eco-friendly Management of Wheat Spot Blotch Caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana

Abstract

Spot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, is a major fungal disease limiting wheat production in warm and humid regions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of plant-derived products for the eco-friendly management of spot blotch under laboratory and field conditions. The experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Apple vinegar, sugarcane vinegar, jamun vinegar, neem oil, eucalyptus oil and their combinations were evaluated against B. sorokiniana. Under in vitro conditions, apple vinegar exhibited the greatest inhibition of mycelial growth at all concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 5.0%), recording 70.54, 85.56, 100.00, 100.00, 100.00 and 100.00% inhibition, respectively. Sugarcane vinegar followed, recording 67.68, 75.88, 82.53, 100.00, 100.00 and 100.00% inhibition at the corresponding concentrations. In contrast, eucalyptus oil and neem oil were the least effective treatments, with mean growth inhibition values of 36.78% and 35.16%, respectively. Under field conditions, apple vinegar performed best, recording the lowest disease severity (37.62% PDI), the greatest disease control (44.57%) and the highest grain yield (46.50 q ha⁻¹). Apple vinegar + sugarcane vinegar was the most effective combined treatment, while sugarcane vinegar + jamun vinegar also performed well. Neem oil-based treatments were less effective. The findings indicate that vinegar-based treatments, particularly apple vinegar alone and in combination with sugarcane vinegar, have potential as economical, eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for managing wheat spot blotch. However, further multilocation studies are required before these treatments can be recommended for field application.