Disease Complex of Berseem Involving Nematode, and Two Soil Inhabiting Fungi

Two pathogenic fungi viz., Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium semitactum along with the high population densities of stunt nematode Tylenchorhynchus vulgaris were isolated from the diseased roots/rhizosphere soil of berseem. A significant and positive correlation was observed between nematode population and root-rot severity. Further studies were conducted on interaction between nematode and fungi and their effect on plant growth. The effect of combined inocula of the nematode and the fungi on the disease severity was additive in nature. However, the prior presence of the nematode to the two fungal pathogens, the resultant effect on reduction in plant growth and disease severity were more than simple additive.