Evaluation of Fungicides against Leaf Blotch of Turmeric Caused by Taphrina maculans Butler

A field experiment was conducted in the first fortnight of July 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Horticultural Research Station, Jagtial, and in 2010-2011 at Turmeric Research Station, Kammarpally, to evaluate various fungicides against leaf blotch of turmeric. Treatments included the fungicides Propiconazole (0.1%), Hexaconazole (0.1%), Tricyclazole (0.1%) and Carbendazim + Mancozeb (0.1%) for rhizome treatment (dipping) and for foliar spray at 45 and 90 days after planting (DAP); and foliar application alone at 45 and 90 DAP. Among the treatments, rhizome treatment with Carbendazim + Mancozeb (0.1%) gave the best germination (90.52%); Rhizome treatment followed by foliar application of Carbendazim + Mancozeb (0.1%) at 45 and 90 DAP significantly reduced disease incidence of turmeric leaf blotch (16.13%) and enhanced fresh-rhizome yield (18.30t ha^-1) compared to other fungicide applications. High cost-benefit ratio was achieved with rhizome treatment, followed by foliar application of Carbendazim + Mancozeb at 45 and 90 DAP (1:1.92).