Field bio-efficacy of Milastin-K (Bacillus subtilis KTSB-1015 1.5% A.S.) was conducted for the management of powdery mildew in grapes at National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. Results compiled indicated that Milastin-K alone at 1.0 l/L and 2.0 ml/L sprayings (six) gave about 51.18% and 58.85% reduction in powdery mildew incidence respectively. Similarly, Milastin-K sprayings gave upto 22.48% higher yield over sulphur treatment. Likewise, four sprayings of systemic fungicides belonging to trizole group and then two spraying of Milastin-K @ 2.0 ml/L showed 99.98% control of powdery mildew on leaves and 92.31% control on bunches and increase in yield by 63.32% over sulphur treatment. Similarly, there was no any abnormality and phytotoxic effect observed by spraying Milastin-Kupto 2.0 ml/L alone or if sprayed after trizole fungicides. Therefore, Milastin-K a bio-fungicide fits well in integrated disease management and may be useful for export grape cultivation.

A field bio-efficacy of Brigade-BL (Beauveria bassiana) an entomopathogenic fungi was evaluated against mealy bugs (Meconellicoccus hirsutus) on Thompson Seedless grapes at National Research Centre on Grapes, Manjri, Pune during 2014-15. The experiment was conducted in RBD with five replications on foundation pruning and fruit pruning. Results obtained revealed that application of Brigade-BL @ 5.0 ml/L with two sprayings resulted in reduction of mealy bug colonies upto 67.82% in foundation pruning as compared to control. Likewise, at fruiting pruning, after fifth spray of Brigade-BL @ 5.0 ml/L recorded 75.68% reduction in mealy bug population and increase in fruit yield of 92.44% over control. Similarly, there was no any abnormality and phytotoxic effect observed by spraying Brigade-BL on grapevines. Likewise, Brigade-BL was found compatible with Buprofezin 25 SC chemical insecticide.

Field bio-efficacy study was conducted during 2018-19 for evaluation of Milastin-K (Bacillus subtilis KTSB 1015 1.5% A.S.) for control of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on leaves, fruit and yield of pomegranate. The trial was conducted during Late Hasta Bahar at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The trial was conducted in RBD with three replications and twelve treatments. Results compiled revealed that Milastin-K@ 2.0 ml/L each by spraying + soil drenching monthly at root zone recorded less bacterial blight disease severity (22.75 PDI each) on leaves and fruits with 61.20% and 54.16% disease control over untreated control (58.63 PDI and 49.63 PDI) respectively. Similarly, the same treatment recorded less PDI on leaves (36.81) and fruits (16.59) as compared to control (63.82 and 30.41) respectively with 43.56% and 45.45% disease control respectively for control of anthracnose disease on leaves and fruits giving 15.21 T/ha yield as compared to POP (11.71 T/ha) which is 29.88% more than POP treatment. Similarly, there was no phytotoxicity in terms of leaf chlorosis, wilting, vein clearing, leaf tip burning, leaf necrosis and leaf epinasty.

The pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is a key Lepidoptera pest of pigeon pea in Maharashtra and Karnataka state. Bio-efficacy of Caterpilin (Bacillus thuringiensis i.e.Bt) alongwith chemical insecticides was evaluated against pod borer during kharif season at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Results compiled revealed that Pop (Chemical insecticide) + Caterpilin (Bt) @ 1.0 g/L treatment to be more promising in controlling larval population of pod borer over control during first spray (49.13 to 66.84%), second spray (48.97 to 59.68%) and third spray (43.33 to 63.98%). Similarly, the above treatment recorded maximum reduction in pod damage (49.54%) and seed damage (50.52%) with increase in yield upto 96.21% over control and 30.44% over chemical (Pop) treatment. Similarly, spraying of Caterpilin (Bt.) did not show any phytotoxic effect on pigeonpea crop.

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