Compatibility of Trichoderma asperellum with some selected fungicides and insecticides

An investigation was conducted to assess the compatibility of widely utilized fungicides and insecticides, applied at recommended dosages, with Trichoderma asperellum under in vitro conditions. A total of ten fungicides and nine insecticides were individually evaluated for their compatibility.. Trichoderma asperellum was compatible with fungicides sulphur and copper oxychloride, where the percentage inhibition was 18.55 and 31.55, respectively. The biocontrol agent showed moderate compatibility with fungicides, potassium phosphonate, mancozeb and propineb. All the systemic fungicides tested were highly incompatible with Trichoderma asperellum and exhibited cent percent inhibition. As compared to fungicides, insecticides were relatively more compatible with Trichoderma asperellum. Insecticides acephate, flubendiamide, thiamethoxam and spiromesifen did not suppress the in vitro growth of Trichoderma. Imidacloprid and cartap hydrochloride inhibited the growth of Trichoderma partially and expressed moderate compatibility. High level of incompatibility of Trichoderma was observed with insecticides quinalphos and dimethoate. The in vitro study indicated the possibility of using these compatible chemicals in integrated pest management along with the biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum.; further field level investigations are needed for further confirmation.