Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems

In-vitro studies were conducted to check the compatibility of microbial bioagent, Trichoderma viride with seven fungicides, eigtht insecticides, two herbicides, three fertilizers, and two antibiotics at different concentrations. The bioagent was compatible with insecticides viz., imidacloprid 27.8% SL, diafenthiuron 50% WP, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, flubendiamide 20% WG, azoxystrobin 23% SC, deltamethrin 2.8% EC, clothianidin 50% WDG, fenpropathrin 10% EC, and tiamethoxam 25% WG at all the four concentrations. However, fungicides hexaconazole 5% EC, propiconazole 25% EC, tebuconazole 25.9 % EC, and tebuconazole 50% + trifloxistrobin 25% WG and copper oxychloride 50% WP showed incompatibility with T. viride. Among the herbicides, glyphosate 41% SL was compatible, while paraquat dichloride 24% SL showed an incompatible reaction. Urea and muriate of potash (MOP) showed varied compatibility at different concentrations, while single super phosphate (SSP) showed a compatible reaction with the microbial bioagent. The results also indicate that antibiotic like streptomycin and gentamycin are compatible with T. viride. Knowledge of the compatibility of the microbes and the agrochemicals will be useful to apply biopesticide formulations in combination with inorganic pesticides, targeting different pests to reduce the cost and time.