Relative effectiveness and persistence of novel action fungicides against late blight (Phytophthora infestans) of potato

Field efficacy of seven new fungicides viz. Cabrio Top @ 0.2%, Ergon @ 0.2%, Moximate 72 WP @ 0.25%, Sectin 60 WG @ 0.12%, Valiphenal(IR 5885) 6% + Mancozeb 60%WG @ 0.25%, Benalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% @ 0.25% and Cabrio Team 18.7%WG @ 0.12% was determined against late blight of potato in comparison to standard fungicides during 2009–10, 2010–11 and 2011–12 crop seasons. the study revealed that the new fungicides proved highly effective in controlling the disease. These fungicides were comparable in their efficacy with that of Curzate M 8, Indofil M-45 75 WP and Ridomil MZ 72 WP. The disease was either in traces or at very low level in treatments with these fungicides. A corresponding increase in tuber yield (99.0 to 173.2%) was also observed in different fungicides over untreated plots. Among the tested fungicides, Ridomil MZ @ 0.25% showed 9 and 12 days persistence in laboratory and field conditions, respectively followed by Ridomil Gold, Cabrio Top, Valiphenal +Mancozeb, Cabrio Team and Amistar.