In vitro evaluation of actinobacteria for biocontrol of dry root rot and Fusarium wilt diseases in chickpea (Cicer arietnum L.)

A total of 48 actinobacteria cultures isolated from Trans-gangetic plain zone of India were screened for their antagonistic potential against Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (FOC) using dual-culture plate assay. Percent growth inhibition resulted from different actinobacteria isolates against R. bataticola and FOC were found statistically significant with each other. Out of 48 actinobacteria isolates screened, thirteen and twelve actinobacteria isolates were found potential (>50% growth inhibition) against R. bataticola and FOC, respectively. Isolates, AIN 26 (Streptomyces puniceus IIPR:KR01:01) and AIN 56 (Streptomyces ginkgonis IIPR:HD01:05) showed highest growth inhibition (57.08% & 57.92%) and maximum inhibition zone (3.57cm & 3.62cm) against R. bataticola and FOC, respectively. Further, validation of the antagonistic potential of these actinobacteria isolates under greenhouse and sick field conditions have the potential for biological control of dry root rot and Fusarium wilt diseases in chickpea.