Efficacy of plant extracts and biocontrol agents against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Pisi, the incitant of wilt of pea

In an approach towards the development of eco-friendly management, in vitro antifungal assay was conducted against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi (FOP), using plant extracts and biocontrol agents. Among six plants extract, maximum fungistatic effect was shown by garlic plant extracts with a 100% inhibition at higher (4%) concentrations followed by neem, turmeric, wild sedge, ginger and aloe vera. Eight isolates of Trichoderma spp. were tested for their ability to produce volatile and non-volatile metabolites against FOP. Studies indicated that volatile metabolites from isolate NCIPMCAU-69 caused maximum reduction (62.37%) in mycelial growth and minimum (18.57%) was recorded with isolate NCIPMCAU-109. In case of non-volatile, the highest per cent inhibition at 7.5 and 15% v/v concentration was recorded with the isolate NCIPMCAU-69 where the inhibition percentage was 14.53% and 20.97%, respectively. This research suggests that managing FOP with plant extracts and biocontrol agents could be a good choice for generating a profitable and risk-free product for the environment, animals, and human health.