Evaluation of Different Measures to Control Wilt Causing Pathogens in Chickpea

Abstract

Evaluation of Different Measures to Control Wilt Causing Pathogens in Chickpea Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, F. solani and Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from the wilted chickpea (Cicer arietinum) plants. To manage the wilt complex cultural practices, use of biocontrol agents and fungicides were tried under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Sowing of chickpea at different dates revealed that early sowing (10th Oct.) resulted in maximum disease incidence (32.20%), whereas, late sowing (24th Nov.) the minimum (13.35%). Twenty and 50 cm row to row spacing resulted in maximum (29.17%) and minimum (17.35%) disease incidence respectively. In vitro evaluation of biological control agents revealed the superiority of Trichoderma viride. Trichoderma over Trichoderma virens in controlling the pathogens. Carbendazim at 100, 200, 500 ppm caused maximum per cent inhibition of the pathogens under in vitro conditions. Fungicides applied as seed treatment reduced disease incidence significantly. Seed treatment with carbendazim increased seed germination (71.24%), though it was at par with carbendazim + mancozeb (62.21%) and mancozeb (61.46%). Seed coating with T. viride resulted in minimum disease incidence (9.24%), however, it was at par with T. virens (9.72%). Maximum yield (10.10 q/ha) was recorded with the application of carbendazim, followed by carbendazim + mancozeb (9.77 q/ha) and T. viride (8.10 q/ha).