Abstract

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp., ciceri) is one of the major yield limiting factors of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). For eco-friendly and sustainable management of the disease, two species of antagonists (Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum) and chemical fungicide (Carbendazim 50 WP) alone or in combination with farm yard manure (FYM) were evaluated against the pathogen. The study was carried out under laboratory and field conditions. In vitro results showed that T. viride and T. harzianum alone or in combination significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Different concentrations (10, 50 and 100 ppm) of Carbendazim 50 WP showed significant inhibition in the mycelia growth, and a concentration of 100 ppm completely inhibited the mycelia growth of the pathogen. Result indicates that seed treatment with T. viride and T. harzianum reduced the wilt incidence significantly, and increased the seed germination as compared to control. Application of bio-agents alone or in combination with FYM enhanced the plant growth parameters significantly, that is, dry weight, root length and grain yield. The lone treatment with carbendazim as seed treatment significantly reduced the wilt incidence, and increased seed germination and plant growth parameters as compared to control. Results of the study show that bio-agents significantly reduced the wilt incidence, and increased seed germination and plant growth parameters as compared to chemical fungicides.

Key words: Chickpea, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp., ciceri, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, carbendazim.