Management of root rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) in peanut with biocontrol agents and studying its root physiology

Abstract

The efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum (TNAU-Tv) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU-Pf1) as seed treatment and soil application along with Farmyard Manure against groundnut root rot disease was evaluated under rainfed condition during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. During the study, the results showed that among the various treatments imposed, seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens10g/kg, Trichoderma asperellum 4 g/kg recorded maximum reduction of root rot incidence over control. Further, the soil applications of biocontrol agents Trichoderma asperellum 2.5 kg + FYM @ 200 kg/ha and 2.5 kg Pseudomonas fluorescens + FYM@ 200 kg/decreases the soil-borne diseases of root rot (80.67) and (79.27)% reduction over control and also recorded higher yield of 1176 kg/ha with simultaneous increase in seedling stands, plant height, and fresh weight, compared with untreated and chemical checks. In addition, BioVis PSM Root – Rhizoscanner study results in root length (361 mm), root tips (35Nos), forks (43Nos) segments (46) and estimated volume (452 cm3) in T. asperellum and P. fluorescens seed treatment.