In-vitro Antagonism of Trichoderma spp. against two Fungal Pathogens of Castor

Root rot and wilt diseases of castor caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium ocysporum often result in considerable loss of the crop especially under dryland conditions. Success has been achieved in the biological control of soil borne pathogens using Trichoderma sp. Hence a lab study was conducted to exploit the biocontrol potentiality/antagonistic property of the native rhizosphere microflora, as the chemical control of these pathogens is extremely costly and quite laborious. Also a commercial powder formulation of T. viride recommended by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University was tested for its bio efficiacy. Significant reduction in growth of the pathogens under in vitro conditions was observed but with variable degrees by the different species of Trichoderma.