Effect of Biopriming with Biocontrol Agents Trichoderma harzianum (Th.Azad) and Trichoderma viride (01pp) on Chickpea Genotype (Radhey)

Abstract

Chickpea is an important pulse crop of India. Its productivity is quite low due to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stress disease are the major constraints. Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri has been considered as devastating one to cause up to 10 per cent loss in yield every year. For eco-friendly and sustainable management of the disease, two species of antagonists (Trichoderma viride 01PP and Trichoderma harzianum Th azad) and chemical fungicide (Bavstin @ 0.2%) were evaluated against the pathogen. Two bioagents Trichoderma harzianum Th azad and Trichoderma viride 01PP were evaluated for their efficacy on colony growth by dual culture plate method. The results showed that the two bio-agents suppressed the colony growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, which ranged between 53.38-57.99 per cent the suppression of the growth of the pathogen was significantly higher with Trichoderma harzianum Th azad. Seed treatment in vivo showed that out of six treatments including control, T1 (5%) followed by T2 (10%), T3 (20%), T4 (2% @ 2.5 kg h-1), T5 (Bavistin @ 0.2%) and T6 (Control) were found superior seed treatments in enhancing quality seed parameters (germination, plant death on different dates, plant survival and yield), which can be finally converted in superior yield even in adverse conditions. T1 treatment (5%) was found to be significantly superior and effective in increasing 79% and 71.67% respectively (in both strains) more germination from control followed by bavistin (T5). Results of the study show that bio-agents significantly reduced the wilt incidence, and increased seed germination and plant growth parameters as compared to chemical fungicides.