Chemical Control and Economics of Phomopsis Blight and Fruit Rot of Brinjal in the Eastern Ghat Highland Zone of Odisha

A field trial was conducted during 2011 and 2012 for management of phomopsis blight and fruit rot of brinjal caused by Phomopsis vexans by seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% (Vitavax power) @ 2 g/kg and foliar application of copper oxychloride (Blitox-50) @ 0.3%.The disease and economic parameters as well as yield were compared with that of untreated farmers’ field. It was revealed that the plant protection chemicals increased the seed germination by 21.18% and reduced seedling mortality, seedling blight and fruit rot infection by 90.25, 74.51 and 65.9%, respectively. The improved germination and reduced disease infections helped to sustain 40.28% higher brinjal yield with a net higher return of Rs. 26513 per ha.