Bioefficacy of rhizobacteria and fungi against Macrophomina phaseolina

Charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, is a major disease affecting more than 500 plant species. As pesticides may adversely affect the environment, natural bio-formulation will prove as a best alternative, In view of this, present investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of 3 bacterial and 4 fungal strains against M. phaseolina. It was observed that Trichoderma atroviridewas the best bio-control agent, capable of completely inhibiting growth of the pathogen. Two strains of rhizobacteria inhibited 72.94% growth of the pathogen, while the combined culture showed marginal increase in inhibitory potential. These findings suggested synergistic use of microbial culture as bio-control agent.