Evaluation of new molecules of fungicides against early blight (Alternaria solani (Ellis and Martin) Jones and Grout) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

Field trials were conducted on chilli variety Lakshmi Hybrid for management of early blight (Alternaria solani) through new fungicide molecules. The pooled data of two year trials revealed that, minimum percent disease index (PDI) of early blight (4.30%; 2.00%, respectively) was observed with Chlorothalonil 75 WP @3.0 g/l. The data also indicated that foliar spray of Chlorothalonil 75 WP @2.0 g/l resulted in 5.23 and 2.47 PDI which proved to be the second effective treatment. However, highest fruit yield (14.25 t/ha; 16.00 t/ha) was observed with Chlorothalonil 75 WP @3.0 g/l, while the yield of chilli was less in untreated control (9.80 and 8.75 t/ha). The results also showed that Chlorothalonil 75 WP @3.0 g/l and Chlorothalonil 75 WP @6.0 g/l did not show any phytotoxic symptoms. These fungicide molecules even at higher doses do not manifest any phytotoxic symptoms and also exhibiting an appreciable increase in fruit yield of tomato.