Integrated management of oat diseases in north-western Himalaya

Oat (Avena sativa), one of the major rabi fodder crops in north-western Himalaya is severely affected by powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. avena), leaf blight (Helminthosporium sp.) and loose smut (Ustilago avenae) and causes a serious qualitative as well as quantitative losses to fodder and seed yield of oat. Keeping in view, the importance of diseases 77 oat genotypes were evaluated under in vitro conditions for their resistance against powdery mildew. The line OS-9 was found highly resistant whereas, 17 lines were found resistant. A field trial to find effective control measures of oat diseases was conducted (2008–2010) in Randomized block design replicated thrice with 8 treatments comprising of seed treatment with carboxin @ 2.5 g/kg seed, seed treatment with Ecoderma (Trichoderma viride) @ 5 g/kg seed and two sprays of propiconazole @ 0.1per cent individually and in combinations. In general, the foliar spray of propiconazole was found effective against powdery mildew and leaf blight whereas, seed treatment with carboxin was found to be effective against loose smut. The study concluded that the diseases of oat can be effectively controlled by seed treatment with carboxin @ 2.5 g/kg seed or carboxin @ 2.5 g + Trichoderma viride @ 5 g/kg seed followed by two sprays of propiconazole @ 0.1per cent at 15 days intervals.