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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Anthracnose disease of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt]
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Praveen Kumar, M; KAU; Sally Mathew, K
    A study on vanous aspects of anthracnose disease of cowpea was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1997-98. Etiological studies revealed Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magn.) Br. and Cav. as the main pathogen causing anthracnose disease in Kerala and the pathogen was found to be seed borne. Among the 50 genotypes tested, Kanakamony was found immune to the disease and seven genotypes were highly resistant to the disease. In ( disease management studies, all fungicides, botanicals and antagonist Trichoderma viride were equally effective under in vitro and field conditions. As far as disease control, yield and C:B ratio were concerned, mancozeb was found to be the best treatment. Summer season was found to be the best season for cowpea cultivation in areas where anthracnose is a problem. In crop loss assessment, significant difference was noticed between carbendazim treated and untreated plots in case of disease infection and yield, and yield loss of 53.85 per cent was recorded under natural condition due to this-disease.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biocontrol of rhizome rot of ginger using selected antagonists
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Julie George, K; KAU; Sukumaravarma, M
    Rhizome rot of ginger cas used by Pythium aphantdermatum (Edson) Fitzpatrick is one of the most destructive diseases of ginger in Kerala. The pathogen was isolated and its pathogenecity was established by Koch's postulates in ginger variety Rio-de-Jenerio. Among the various food bases evaluated, for the mass multiplication of selected antagonists, rice hull was found to be significantly superior to all others to obtain maximum growth for Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus flavus. For Aspergillus niger, rice bran was found to be significantly superior. The results on the effect of various treatments on germination showed that there was no significant difference among the treatments. The effect of antagonists on the pre- emergence rotting and post-emergence rotting (rhizome rot) were studied. In plots where antagonists (T viride, Aflavus or A. niger) or fungicides (mancozeb or copper oxychloride) were applied either as seed treatment or as soil incorporation at the time of planting, the pre-emergence rotting was not observed. The plot in which the antagonists T. vtride, A. mger and At flavus were applied in combination at 60 and 120 OAP, recorded the minimum rhizome rot incidence compared to other treatments. The plots in which the antagonists were applied twice, i.e., 60 and 120 OAP, the rhizome rot incidence was minimum compared to the plots with only one time application of antagonists. The maximum population of the pathogen P. aphanidermatum. was observed in plot where A. flavus was applied in combination with mancozeb. The multiplication of selected antagonists, 7: viride, A. flavus and A. niger in soil was found out by estimating their population at different stages. The population of T. virtde was maximum in plots where it was applied in combination with mancozeb in most of the period. The soil application of the combination of antagonists T. viride, A. flavus and A. niger did not affect the multiplication of anyone of them in soil. In general, soil incorporation of antagonists was found to helping in their mulitplication profusely compared to the seed treatment. The incorporation of the antagonists A. flavus and A. niger to the plots, twice was found to be superior than applying them only once, for getting maximum multiplication of propagules in soil. The result on the compatibility of antagonist with fungicide in field condition revealed that the antagonist T viride was quite compatible with mancozeb whereas A. flavus and A. niger were compatible with both fungicides tested (mancozeb and copper oxychloride). The treatments which was found to be superior in minimising the incidence of rhizome rot of ginger viz., T 16 (soil incorporation of T vir/de, A. niger at 60 and 120 DAP) and TI9 (soil incorporation of I: viride, A. niger and A. flavus) also recorded the maximum yield of ginger.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Vascular streak dieback of cocoa and its management
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Ajay Kumar, K M; KAU; Koshy, Abraham
    Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is a destructive disease of cocoa. Corticium culture medium, Water agar, Potato dextrose agar gave promising results in isolation of the pathogen. Petiole and midrib gave maximum success in isolation. Potato dextrose agar and Corticium culture media supported the growth of the fungus. Fusarium sp. And Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were the major contaminants interfering in the isolation of VSD. The morphological characters of the pathogen were studied from the sporophores occurring on naturally infected cocoa plants. Based on these characters, the pathogen causing VSD was identified as Oncobasidium theobromae Talbot and Keane. The disease produced various typical symptoms on leaves and stems of infected plants like pale green colour of leaves and subsequent yellowing with green islets, defoliation, brown marks on the scars of fallen leaves, axillary bud growth of the infected stem, rusty discolouration of cambium, vascular streak, whitish sporophores on the leaf scar of fallen infected leaves and finally the death of the infected twig. Histopathological studies showed the presence of fungal mycelium in the xylem vessels. Transmission studies by grafting and budding revealed no establishment of buds or grafts. But there was vascular streaking. No seed transmission was observed. In general Kitazin and Bavistin as a seed treatment had an effect on the height of plant and leaf production. Evaluation of cocoa types planted at three seed gradens indicated that some of them possess resistance/tolerance against VSD. Variation in disease incidence and intensity of VSD was noted in germplasm VI. Calixin spraying had an effect in preventing the incidence of the disease in seedlings.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biocontrol of water hyacinth using fungal pathogens
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Susha Thara, S; KAU; Naseema, A
    Detailed study was conducted on the host range of the already identified fungal pathogens of water hyacinth viz. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium eguiseti and F.pallidoroseum on thirty cultivated plants including vegetables, pulses and oil seeds, field crops, fruits and forest crops and ornamental plants and forty one common weed plants which are seen in and around water ways infested with water hyacinth. It was observed that C. gloeosporioides could infect amaranthus, bhindi, chilli, Euphorbia hirta, Hydrocotyl asiatica and Phyllanthus niruri. Of the thirty cultivated plants and forty one weed plants tested F. eguiseti was seen to be pathogenic to amaranthus, Amaranthus viridis, Commelina . bengalensis, C. jacobi and Monochoria vaginalis. F. pallidoroseum could produce symptoms on napier grass, Axonopus sp., boerhaavia diffusa, C.benghalensis, C.jacobi, Echinochloa colonum, Euphorbia hirta, Justicia diffusa, J.prostrata, M.vaginalis and Oldenlandia umbrellata and Scorpia dulcis. For the effective destruction of the weed, lxl011 spores per ml concentration of Q. gloeosporioides, E. eguiseti and F. pallidoroseum were found to be more effective than lxl09 and lxl010 spores per ml concentration. Cell free metabolites of the pathogenic fungi were found to produce symptoms on water hyacinth plant. Metabolite produced by E. pallidoroseum caused considerable damage than by E.equiseti and C. gloeosporioides. When pathogens were applied singly and in combination on water hyacinth it was observed that the combined application of F. pallidoroseum and F. equiseti followed by F. pallidoroseum alone gave maximum intensity of infection. Eventhough C. gloeospoirioides gave least intensity of infection it can be used as a co-pathogen with E. eguiseti. Metabolite of the pathogens individually and in combination when applied on healthy water hyacinth plants, maximum damage was caused by F.pallidoroseum alone and the combination of metabolite of three fungi viz. C. gloeosporioides,F equiseti and F. pallidoroseum. Least damage was caused by metabolite of C. gloeosporioides. An experiment was conducted to find out suitable carrier materials for the mass multiplication and storage of pathogen. It was observed that for C. gloeosporioides maximum sporulation was in water hyacinth leaf followed by guinea grass straw and rice bran. But the spore viability was maximum for rice straw, and on coir pith. Maximum infection was caused by fungus grown on guinea grass straw and rice straw. In the case of E. equiseti spore counts was higher in guinea grass straw followed by coir pith. The spore germination was maximum in rice bran and coir pith. Maximum infection was produced by the fungi on guinea grass straw, coir pith and waterhyacinth leaf. E. pallidoroseum produce maximum number of spores on rice bran followed by guinea grass straw. It was observed that the germination percentage of spores were maximum on coir pith. Out of the six carrier materials used the fungus produced maximum infection when grown on rice bran and guinea grass straw. In the study for testing the storage life of metabolities, it was observed that the efficiency to produce symptom was reduced on storage in the case of C. gloeosporioides and E. pallidoroseum whereas for E. eguiseti on storage the effeciency of the metabolite to cause damage increased. Metabolite stored on refrigerated condition performed poorly for all the three fungi. Different methods of application of the three fungi were tried. Of the five treatments, placement of bits and dusting the inoculum along with the carrier materials produced maximum infection. In the experiment conducted to characterize the toxin presented in the cell free metabolite of pathogenic fungi, observed the presence of Fusaric acid in the metabolite of Fusarium spp.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Disease resistance in the management of cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Radhika, N S; KAU; Umamaheswaran, K
    Investigations were undertaken on the virus causing severe mosaic on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Kerala. The characteristic symptoms appeared as vein clearing, light and dark green mottling, severe mosaic, dark green vein banding, blistering, distortion and reduction in leaf size. The virus was mechanically transmitted through sap extracted in 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The virus was efficiently transmitted by the aphid vector, Aphis craccivora. Seed transmission of eleven per cent was recorded in the variety Sharika. Thermal inactivation point was recorded at a range of 60 - 65° C, dilution end point at a range of 10-3 - 10-4 and longevity in vitro for four hours at room temperature (28 ± 4° C) and six hours under refrigerated condition (8° C). A. craccivora could efficiently transmit the virus with an acquisition access of ten minutes and inoculation access of one minute. Pre-acquisition starvation increased the rate of transmission while post-acquisition starvation decreased the rate. A single aphid was capable of transmitting the virus. The virus causing severe mosaic was identified as blackeye cowpea mosaic virus by ELISA. The virus could also be detected by Ouchterlony immunodiffusion test. Electron microscopic studies revealed the presence of flexuous, filamentous particles of 750 nm in length. Two varieties Co-6 and Cc-Selection were grouped as no symptom producing among 65 genotypes screened for resistance. Fifty three F2 progenies of the cross Sharika and Co-6 and twenty five F2 progenies of the cross Co-Selection and Sharika were long poded and resistant. Biochemical changes indicated a lower carbohydrate content in resistant compared to susceptible. Chlorophyll content decreased in the susceptible variety due to virus infection. Increase in protein was observed in both resistant and susceptible. The phenol content did not show variation between the varieties. Peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activities increased in the resistant variety. Bioassay of chemicals and neem oil on local lesion host (c. amaranticolor) indicated a per cent inhibition of 68.92 by neem oil in pre-inoculation application and 65.45 per cent inhibition by manganese chloride in post-inoculation application. On cowpea plants, pre-inoculation application of neem oil (ten per cent) concentration was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms due to viral infection.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of management practices on the incidence and intensity of grey blight disease of coconut
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Anupama, N; KAU; Padmakumari, G
    From a detailed survey on the occurrence of leaf blight disease of coconut in Thiruvananthapuram (Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram and Instructional Farm, Vellayani) and Alappuzha Districts (Rice Research Station, Kayarnkulam) it was revealed that Pestalotiopsis palmarum (Cooke) Stey was the major pathogen causing grey leaf blight of coconut in both the areas. Curvularia sp. were also found to be contribute to this disease. Of the various media tested, best growth of P. palmarum was seen in potato dextrose agar and broth. Among the various carbon sources tested dextrose, starch and inositol were equally effective for the growth of P. palmarum and for Curvularia sp., Sucrose, dextrose and starch were the best carbon sources. A temperature of 25°C and 35°C was found to be optimum for the growth of P. palmarum and Curvularia sp respectively. Arecanut, cinnamon, clove, guava, mango, nutmeg and sapota intercropped with coconut in the three locations were found to be host of the pathogen P. palmarum. In vitro evaluation of fungicides revealed that Bordeaux mixture (1000 ppm) and Bavistin (2000 ppm) were superior in inhibiting the growth of P. palmarum on the other hand Bordeaux mixture (1000 ppm) and Dithane M-45 (1000 ppm) effectively inhibited the growth of Curvularia sp. Monitoring of the disease intensity over a period of 12 months has shown that grey leaf blight intensity was high in palms planted at closer spacing and which received no fertilizers. The disease intensity was minimum in palms with wider spacing and with higher level of fertiliser (N2P2K2). In general higher level of fertilizers and wider spacing may be considered as a management practice for controlling the incidence and intensity of the grey blight diseases in coconut palm in South Kerala.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of microflora associated with earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae kinberg) and vermicompost on growth and performance of chilli. (capsicum annuum L.)
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Suja, P R; KAU; Sasikumar Nair
    The present investigation on 'Influence of microflora associated with earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae Kinberg) and vermicompost on growth and performance of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was done at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1997-99 as part of a Science, Technology and Environment Department (Government of Kerala) funded research project. Among the surface microflora of Eudrilus eugeniae, the total number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were maximum on 45 day of compost formation. However, the number of nitrogen fixing bacteria was more on 60 day. Similarly, in the case of gut micro flora, the total number of bacteria and fungi were maximum on 45 day of composting. However, the number of actinomycetes was more on 30 day. Nitrogen fixing bacteria could be isolated only on 15 day. In the vermicompost, the total number: of bacteria fungi and actinomycetes were maximum on 30,45 and 60 day respectively. The number of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen fixing bacteria were more on 15 and 30 day of sampling. However, soilborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas solanacearum, Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp. were absent. There were significant differences in the growth rate of various isolates of nitrogen fixing bacteria in Jensen's nitrogen free broth. The mean optical density for isolate 3 was significantly higher than rest of isolates. The nitrogen fixing ability of this isolate was also higher. The isolate 3 was selected for enrichment of vermicompost. Based on various morphological and physiological characters, this isolate was tentatively identified as Azotobacter sp. Among the different isolates of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, the isolate 1 which showed maximum solubilization of tricalcium phosphate in modified Pikovskaya's broth was selected for enrichment of vermicompost. Based on the various morphological and physiological characters, the isolate 1 was tentatively identified as Pseudomonas sp. In the study on the enrichment of vermicompost with nitrogen fixing bacteria on growth of chilli, the shoot fresh and dry weights were significantly high in the treatment combination receiving vermicompost enriched with Azotobacter sp. along with 50 per cent nitrogen (N3P1K+VN) when compared to the control treatment. The per plant yield was significantly high in the treatment combination with 100 per cent nitrogen and vermicompost enriched with Azotobacter sp. (NIP1K+VN) followed by that receiving 75 per cent nitrogen and vermicompost enriched with Azotobacter sp. (N2P1K +VN). In the study on the use of vermicompost enriched with phosphate solubilizing bacteria, there were significantly earlier onset of flowering and significantly higher number of fruits formed per plant in the treatment combination of 100 per cent phosphorus along with vermicompost enriched with Pseudomonas sp. There were no significant differences between treatments in the keeping quality of chilli harvested from treatments with enriched vermicompost. III the interaction study between Eudrilus eugeniae or Megascolex sp. and Pythium aphanidermatum, there was 100 per cent seedling mortality in treatments such as. POP(F)+P and POP(V)+P where the application of Pythium aphanidermatum was coupled with surface injury in the collar region of seedlings. But in the absence of such an induced injury, there was no incidence of damping off. However, in these treatments the plant growth was generally poor in height, fresh and dry weight of roots. At the same time, the plant growth was better in treatments without pathogen inoculation. The number of branches formed was significantly high in POP(F)+E and POP(V)+E treatments where Eudrilus eugeniae was applied when compared to that of the control treatment. The treatment with vermicompost alone (POP (V» recorded significantly earlier onset of flowering. The number of fruits formed per plant and per plant yield were significantly higher in the treatment with farm yard manure and Eudrilus eugeniae (POP (F)+E) compared to the control. Significant differences between treatments were observed in the onset of flowering, number of fruits formed and in the per plant yield of chilli due to the combined application of Megascolex sp. and Pythium aphanidermatum. Flower initiation was earlier as well as the number of fruits formed were also significantly high in the treatments with vermicompost either alone (POP (V» or in combination with Megascolex sp. (POP(V)+M). The treatment with vermicompost alone recorded the highest per plant yield. There were no significant differences between treatments in the keeping quality of chilli harvested from treatments with or without the application of either Eudrilus or Megascolex sp. and Pythium aphanidermatum.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Azotobacter and azospirillum inoculants for nitrogen economy in vegetable cultivation
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 1997) Arunkumar, S; KAU; Sasikumar, Nair
    The study on Azotobacter and Azospirillum inoculants for nitrogen economy in vegetable cultivation was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 1994-1996. Two sets of experiments consisting of pot and field trials were conducted for this purpose. Pot culture experiments with amaranthus showed that, plant height, root biomass, leaf area index and yield were significantly high in the treatment combination of Azospirillum inoculation along with FYM and 75 percent fertilizer nitrogen (N3FYM+AS). Flowering time was also significantly delayed in this treatment. Among Azotobacter treatments also plant height, leaf area index and yield were significantly high in the treatment receiving 75 percent nitrogen along with FYM and Azotobacter inoculation (N3FYM+AB). In brinjal while Azospirillum inoculation along with 75 percent nitrogen and FYM (N3FYM+AS) could significantly increase yield and increase plant height and root biomass production, there were no significant difference among Azotobacter treatments on yield. In chilli also Azospirillum treatment coupled with vermicompost and 100 percent nitrogen (N4 VEC+AS) was significantly increasing number of branches, number of fruits and yield. Whereas there were no significant differences among Azotobacter treatments on yield of chilli. When the individual effect of organic manure and biofertilizer application for all the three crops were studied, no significant differences were obtained between two biofertilizer treatments except for some delay in flowering time in amaranthus due to Azospirillum inoculation. But FYM application had favorable effects in most of the plant growth and yield parameters of all the three crops. The selected treatments from pot culture experiments were evaluated under field conditions for all the three crops. Maximum yield for amaranthus was obtained in Azotobacter treatment with FYM and 75 percent fertilizer nitrogen (N3FYM+AB), which also had a significant increase in plant height. For brinjal, the Azotobacter treatment recervmg FYM and 75 percent nitrogen (N3FYM+AB) produced maximum plant height, number of branches, number of fruits and yield. But keeping quality of fruits was significantly high in Azotobacter treatment with full dose of vennicompost and 75 percent fertilizer nitrogen (N3 VECF+AB). For chilli, Azospirillum treatment receiving full dose of vermicompost and 100 percent nitrogen (N4VECF+AS) produced maximum yield which also has got maximum plant height. Keeping quality of fruits was also significantly high in this treatment. The population of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Azospirillum and Azotobacter were significantly high in most of the treatments receiving either Azospirillum or Azotobacter inoculants and organic manure supplements.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Integrated management of sheath rot of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Blessy Jose; KAU; Lulu Das
    Sheath rot disease of rice, caused by Sarocladium oryzae Gams and Hawksworth, is one of the most important diseases of rice in Kerala. The present investigation was to work out an efficient ecofriendly integrated control measure utilising biocontrol agents and plant products in combination with the minimum dose of fungicides against this disease. The antagonists found effective against Sarocladium oryzae are Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. Among these, Trichoderma sp. was found to decrease the disease intensity and increase the yield, the most. tried, best. Among the various methods of application of antagonists seed treatment and root dip method were found to be the In the pot culture trial conducted to find out the mode of action of antagonists under various systems of application, none of the treatments proved superior to others. Leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum (10 per cent) had maximum inhibition of the radial growth of the fungus. Minimum dry weight was seen with the bulb extract (10 per cent) of Allium sativum and extract (10 per cent) of Ocimum sanctum. Carbendazim at 0.025 per cent concentration brought about 100 per cent inhibition of radial growth and mycelial weight of S. oryzae. Total inhibition of radial growth of the fun~u9 WBB achieved by the application of 0.25 per cent Ediphenphos and total inhibition of the mycelial growth was achieved by the application of Ediphenphos at 0.075 per cent concentration. For mass multiplication of antagonists, bits of jack seeds proved to be the best substrate for Trichoderma ap. as evidenced by fungal growth. Tapioca rind and wheat grains was the best suited Aspergillus ap. Wheat bran:sand (1:10 w/w) proved to be the best medium for Penicillium sp. For Pestalotiopsis Sp., wheat bran: sand mixture at a proportion of 1:3 and 1:10 were found equally good. The integrated management practices revealed that none of the treatments were superior over others when yield and disease intensity were considered. However, least disease intensity was noticed with the application of Trichoderma sp. as seed treatment, followed by foliar spray of Ediphenphos and leaf extract (10 per cent) of Ocimum sanctum. Highest yield was obtained in the treatment combination of Trichoderma sp, applied as seed treatment followed by the foliar application of Carbendazim and the bulb extract (10 per cent) of Allium sativum.