Evaluation of organic amendments for the management of leaf and neck blast in rice (Oryza sativa) under field conditions

Abstract

Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is one of the most destructive diseases causing substantial yield losses worldwide, necessitating the development of sustainable management strategies. The present study evaluated the efficacy of different organic amendments in managing leaf and neck blast of rice in two susceptible varieties, Pusa Basmati 1121 and CSR 30, under field conditions over two consecutive years. Ghanajeevamrit @ 200 kg ha-1 was the most effective treatment, recording the lowest leaf blast severity (30.86% in Pusa Basmati 1121 and 25.28% in CSR 30) and neck blast incidence (30.10% in Pusa Basmati 1121 and 29.46% in CSR 30). Ghanajeevamrit @ 200 kg ha-1 also resulted in the highest grain yield in both varieties, indicating its potential for both disease suppression and yield enhancement. Beejamrit (seed bio-priming agent) applied @ 100 ml kg-1 seed was the second most effective treatment, for controlling both leaf and neck blast. In contrast, desi cow manure @ 5000 kg ha-1 was comparatively less effective in suppressing both leaf and neck blast. The observed reduction in disease severity and enhancement of grain yield demonstrate the potential of Ghanajeevamrit and Beejamrit as sustainable alternatives for rice blast management. These findings highlight the potential of such eco-friendly inputs as effective components of integrated disease management strategies for sustainable rice production.