Management of Wilt of Arachis hypogea (Groundnut) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum with Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum the soil borne pathogen causes Fusarium wilt in more than hundred plant species. The fungus causes severe yield loss in ground nut of plants. Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens inhibited the growth of the Fusarium oxysporum infecting Arachis hypogaea. The treated plants showed enhanced Chlorophyll, Carotenoid, Total Sugars, Reducing sugars, Non-reducing sugars, Proteins, Amino acids, Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) contents. In the present study among the three biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens (2%) was the most efficient in controlling the growth of Fusarium oxysporum and it significantly enhanced the levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid content. In other biochemical parameters, Total Sugars, Reducing sugars, Non-reducing sugars, Proteins, Amino acids, Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) Trichoderma viride (1%) inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum causing Fusarium wilt on Arachis hypogaea. The study strongly suggests that Pseudomonas fluorescens (2%) and Trichoderma viride (1%) can be exploited for the biological control of Fusarium wilt disease at field level.