Biological Management of Panama Wilt of Banana Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense

Abstract

Bananas are one of the most important fruit crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It contributes to the livelihood of many growers and constitutes a larger proportion of fruit orchards in India. Panama wilt of banana is a major fungal disease affecting banana cultivations and farmers facing huge economic losses after the introduction of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense Foc TR4 strain B2 in Bihar .In the present investigation, native and commercial isolates of Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum are tested against the all isolates of Fusarium oxxysporum f.sp. cubense. Both the biocontrol agents were found highly effective against the Iso. M, Iso A and Iso.K under in vitro as well as under natural pot conditions. But in the case of Iso.G (Foc TR 4 strain B2), these bioagents were found moderately effective under in vivo and in vitro conditions.