Biological management of root-rot of tomato caused by Rhizoctonia solani

Trichoderma viride exhibited the maximum antagonistic effect against root-rot pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani under both laboratory and screehouse conditions followed T. harzianum. Under laboratory conditions the mycelical growth of the pathogen was inhibited by all the four methods tested but inhibition of R. solani was more when bits of pathogen were placed around the bit of Trichoderma viride (in center). By this method Trichoderma viride inhibited 72.22 per cent growth of R. solani followed by T. harzianum (69.44%). Inhibition of growth was less by G. virens and T. longitrichum. Among different methods of application of antagonists seed treatment with Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum in combination with soil application with same antagonists resulted in maximum reduction of disease. Trichoderma viride reduced 57.22 per cent root-rot pathogen followed by T. harzianum (45.44%).