Efficacy of Biocontrol Agents for the Control of Chickpea Stem Rot

Abstract

The Antagonistic fungi, viz., Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Gliocladium virens, Absidia cylindrospora Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solalli were evaluated against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing chickpea stem rot. T.harzianum and A.cylindropora were most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth in dual cultures. Inhibitory activity of autoclaved culture filtrates was much less as compared to filter-sterilized culture filtrates. Culture filtrates of T.harzianum, G. virens and T. viride were particularly effective in inhibiting sclerotial germination. In pot culture experiments, wheat bran-saw-dust-tap water (1:1:6;W/W/v) mixture was most effective in reducing seedling mortality. Application of antagonists in Sclerotinia - sick plots reduced the disease incidence and increased yield over control. T.harzianum was most effective followed by G. virens and T. viride