RD Timila and HK Manandhar
Plant Pathology Division, NARC

Abstract

Pesticides use in vegetable farming is of great concerns as it has been using indiscriminately. Its use may have direct impact on human health as vegetables are consumed directly and uncooked as well. It is a general practice in our conditions that farmers do not wait for required period for harvest after the use of pesticides. Therefore, eco friendly and safer disease management practices are today's demand. Plant Pathology Division has been conducting researches on different non-chemical aspects for plant disease management. They include varietal resistance against or diseases and management through bio control agents, cultural practices, organic amendments, botanicals and grafting technology using resistant root stock. Most of the researches are limited to Screen house/glasshouse conditions and yet to be verified under field conditions. Generally, Success Stories associated with biological control and uses of botanicals are limited to controlled conditions or pot trials. Their efficacy is reduced or not effective under field conditions. There might be indigenous methods that farmers are practicing for disease management. Those need to be explored and verified. Non-chemical tools, especially bio control agents or botanicals alone are not effective enough to manage plant diseases but they can be effectively used as the components for integrated disease management.