Integrated Management of Root Rot of Groundnut

Root rot of groundnut is caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Biocontrol agent (BCA) Trichoderma harzianum isolated from root rot suppressive soils reduced the seedling mortality (8.5 and 10.6%), disease and yield. In order to further enhance the efficacy of disease suppression, fungicide (thiophanate methyl) tolerant strain was comparatively evaluated individually, in combination with fungicide and also with organic amendment. It resulted in better plant stand, reduced disease incidence (15.8 and 18.8%) and increased yield (863 and 872.4 kg/ha). Soil application of BCA is more effective compared to seed treatment. Integration of bio-agent with fungicide and organic amendment increased the efficacy of disease control as compared to their individual treatments.