Field evaluation of fungicides in the management of alternaria leaf blight of sunflower

Six non-systemic and nine systemic fungicides were tested in vitro against Alternaria helianthi causing leaf blight of sunflower. In the In vitro study, among non-systemic fungicides mancozeb and iprodione were most effective, while in systemic fungicides propiconazole, hexaconazole and penconazole were effective in inhibition of both conidial germination and also mycelial growth of A. helianthi. Further, these fungicides were tested in field conditions. Propiconazole (0.1%), hexaconazole (0.1%) and mancozeb (0.2%) gave good results during both the years in cotrolling the Alternaria leaf blight. These treatments recorded maximum grain yield, test weight and oil content.