Management of Alternaria blight of sunflower through fungicides

A field study has been conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Raichur on the management of Alternaria blight on sunflower using 7 fungicides in 3 replications following Randomized Block design. During 2005, Hexaconazole (36.75) was on par with propiconazole (38.85) and recorded significantly least PDI than all other treatments. Yield was significantly superior in propiconazole (10.06 q ha-1) followed by hexaconazole (9.56 q ha-1). During 2006, same trend continued with Hexaconazole (34.51) and propiconazole (36.75) recording significantly least PDI. Yield of sunflower was maximum in propiconazole (9.66 q ha-1), followed by hexaconazole (9.42 q ha-1). Pooled data revealed that hexaconazole (0.1%) and propiconazole (0.1%) recorded significantly lowest PDI (35.63 and 37.80) and highest seed yield (9.49 q ha-1 and 9.86 q ha-1) respectively than all other treatments. The highest benefit cost ratio was observed in hexaconazole, while highest net returns were seen in propiconazole (` 13,804/ha).