Abstract

Foliar application of aqueous concentrate of Stoechospermum marginatum in reducing the severity of fungal blast of rice caused by Pyricularia oryzae was investigated. The results indicated that, the seaweed concentrate significantly reduced the severity of the disease. Present study also revealed that, the peroxidase activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and catalase activity were 184, 197, and 192% higher than the control (without any application) respectively. Seaweed concentrate enhanced sugar, amino acid, ascorbic acid, protein, phenol, flavonoid, and tannin content in 60^th day by 123, 150, 110, 162, 145, 120, and 178%, respectively in comparison with control where as these were decreased in 90^th day of assay. All the parameters were also analysed with foliar application of Bavistin, a common fungicide considered as reference control and the results were compared and discussed.

Key words: Foliar application, fungal blast of rice, bavistin.