Effect of different inoculum levels of Fusarium solani (Mart.) sacc on plant growth, biochemical and nutrient parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of root rot fungus Fusarium solani on the growth of the plant, number of pods, chlorophyll, carotenoid, nitrogen and phosphorus content and nitrate reducatse activity on an important pulse crop lentil by inoculating the plants with variable inoculum levels from 0.25 g to 4.00 g fungal mycelial mat per kg soil. A reduction was observed in all the plant growth, biochemical and nutrient parameters as the inoculum level increased, with a significant reduction taking place at and above the inoculum level of 1.00 g mycelial mat per kg soil. Maximum damage to the plant was recorded at the highest inoculum level i.e. 4.00 g mycelial mat per kg soil. The percentage of root rot was directly proportional to the inoculum level, highest being on 4.00g mycelial mat per kg soil.

Results of the above study reveal that root rot fungus Fusarium solani infects and causes morphological and physiological alterations in plants.

As the inoculum level increases the reduction in plant growth, biochemical and nutrient parameters increases. The inoculum threshold level was found to be 1.00g mycelial mat per kg soil.