Evaluation of fungicides, plant extracts and bio-agents against dry root rot of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract

Dry root rot (DRR) of chickpea caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important disease affecting chickpea production especially in tropical and sub-tropical ecologies of world. The present investigation was planned to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of various fungicides, plant extracts and bio-control agents against Macrophomina phaseolina. Results suggested that among fungicides, significantly maximum mean mycelium growth inhibition was recorded with Carbendazim (100%) followed by Carbendazim+Mancozeb (84.65%). Likewise, among phyto extracts, garlic extract was excellent with maximum mycelia growth inhibition (70.15 and 100 %) followed by neem extract (68.35 and 82.35%) at 5 and 10% concentration, respectively. Among bio-agents, Trichoderma viride showed significantly maximum mycelia growth inhibition (80.20%) followed by Trichoderma harzianum (65.10%). Therefore, from the findings of present study, it can be concluded that apart from use of fungicides (Carbendazim and Carbendazim+Mancozeb) phyto extracts such as extract of garlic and neem leaves and bio-control agent Trichoderma viride can also be used as an effective alternative for management of DRR in chickpea. Findings of our study may help in development of sustainable management strategies against DRR thus minimizing its yield consequences in chickpea. However, there is a need to further strengthen the investigations on this aspect based on thorough understanding of the biology of the pathogen and host×plant×environment interaction especially under field conditions.