Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
National Symposium on “Plant Pathology in the Changing Global Scenario” held at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi on February 27–28, 2009
Dry root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola is one of the most devastating diseases of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). For eco-friendly and sustainable management of the disease, six isolates of Trichoderma belonging to T. viride (IARI P-1), T. virens (IARI P-3) and T. harzianum (IARI P-4) were evaluated against two isolates of R. bataticola (Bangalore and Delhi) in vitro. T. harzianum followed by T. viride caused maximum growth inhibition of R. bataticola in dual culture and by producing volatile and non-volatile compounds. Nine seed dressing and eight soil application formulations (granules and pellets) of T. harzianum were evaluated against the highly virulent isolate of R. bataticola (Bangalore) in pot culture experiments. Seeds treated with Pusa 20SD, followed by Pusa 26SD and soil applied with Pusa Biopellet 10G supported for maximum seed germination, shoot and root length and number of pods per plant and reduced root rot incidence significantly. These treatments also supported maximum colonization of Trichoderma in rhizosphere.
