Dynamics of Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe trifolii) Disease of Lentil Influenced by Sulphur and Zinc Nutrition

摘要

Lentil is one of the major sources of protein for vegetarian population and the second most important legume crops of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) in India. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe trifolii) is one of the important fungal disease of lentil grossly affect foliage as well as in severe cases stems and pods also and causes reduction in crop yield and quality of seed. Mineral nutrition especially sulphurs to the great extent and moderately to zinc, plays a very important role in powdery mildew management. Afield experiment was conducted at ICAR Research Complex of Eastern Region Patna during 2008-09 to 2010-11 to ascertain the role of sulphur and zinc in rice-lentil cropping system. Four levels of sulphur and zinc (Sixteen treatments combination) were tested in randomized block design replicated thrice. Both the nutrients were applied to rice and residual response was ascertained to rice and lentil in sequence. Least (5.5%) disease index was recorded in the plots received residual sulphur 40 kg and Zn 5kg per ha. Whereas highest disease index (15.5%) was recorded in the plots having no residual sulphur and zinc. Maximum lentil seed yield (1147 kg ha-1) was recorded with 30 kg residual sulphur whereas minimum seed yield (1015 kg ha-1) was noticed with no application of sulphur in the previous crop in cropping system. Application of 40 kg sulphur in combination with 6 kg zinc to the previous rice crop is most ideal; not only for rice-lentil system productivity, but it also provide better agronomical option to manage powdery mildew disease in lentil. Efficient management of these nutrients to manage disease and to boost crop resistance is crucial as higher sulphur and Zn rates not only improve powdery mildew management of lentil but its production and productivity, which proves the roles of sulphur and Zn in nutrient and disease interactions as well.