1Department of Plant Pathology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth University, Parbhani-431 402, Maharashtra, India
2Department of Agricultural Entomology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 102, Chhattisgarh, India
*Corresponding Author: Varala Krishnaveni, Department of Plant Pathology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth University, Parbhani-431 402, Maharashtra, India, Email: drkrishnaveni1995@gmail.com
Online published on 29 January, 2026.
Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris significantly limits chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) productivity in semi-arid regions. Native Trichoderma spp. offer potential for sustainable disease management and growth promotion.
Nineteen Trichoderma isolates were obtained from chickpea rhizosphere soils in Marathwada, Maharashtra, during the rabi season, 2023-24. Isolates were screened against the pathogen using dual culture assays and eight promising isolates were identified by ITS sequencing. A pot experiment with chickpea cv. BDNGK-798 was conducted using seed and soil applications of Trichoderma, followed by pathogen inoculation. Growth parameters, wilt incidence and micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) uptake were recorded 65 days after sowing.
Eight isolates of Trichoderma significantly suppressed Fusarium wilt while enhancing germination, seedling vigour, growth, yield and micronutrient content. T. yunnanense (CTA2, CTP4) and T. pleuroticola (CTB2) were the most effective, demonstrating strong dual potential as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers under controlled conditions, indicating their applicability for improving chickpea productivity in stressed environments.
Chickpea, Fusarium wilt, Micronutrient uptake, Plant growth promotion, Trichoderma
