Dalhanderma (IIPRTh-31): Multi-trait Trichoderma based formulation for management of wilt diseases of pulse crops

Several species of Trichoderma were identified from pulses rhizosphere and characterized for their antagonistic potential against Fusarium udum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and F. oxysporum f. sp. lentis and plant growth (germination percentage, plant height, shoot and root length) promoting ability in chickpea, pigeonpea and lentil. Among the 14 Trichoderma isolates tested under in-vitro and green house condition at ICAR- Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, one isolate, IIPRTh- 31 (Trichoderma asperellum) was identified to inhibited maximum mycelial growth (>80%) of wilt pathogens, promote plant growth in respect of root and shoot length and tolerate temperature upto 50°C. Three formulations were developed using different carrier materials (Talc, Parafin oil, Glycerol) and tested for their shelf-life up to 6 months at room temperature. Maximum inoculum viability (4.2×10⁸cfu/g) was observed in talc based formulation of Dalhanderma. This talc based formulation of DALHANDERMA would be popularized among the pulses growing farmers as a plant growth promoter and also for soil borne disease management in chickpea, pigeonpea and lentil crops.