Field evaluation of fungicides and neem formulations against bacterial blight of Frenchbean

Six fungicides, two neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and one neem oil + pungam (Pongamia glabra [P. pinnata]) oil based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations were evaluated for their efficacy to control bacterial blight (Xanthomonas campestris pv.phaseoli [X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli]) of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under field conditions at Udhagamandalam during 1998-99. Foliar spray of carbendazim, mancozeb and metalaxyl MZ significantly reduced disease incidence and increased yield. Carbendazim spray recorded the highest yields (4506 and 4350 kg/ha, respectively, in 1998 and 1999) and was at par with the yield obtained in plots sprayed with mancozeb. Neem and pungam oil based EC formulations were inferior to fungicides but superior to control.