Biological control of root-rot of blackgram by the selected Trichoderma species under glasshouse

Abstract

Trichoderma species have been reported as most potential biocontrol agents against several plant pathogens. The pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina is an important root and foliar disease pathogen and responsible for root rot disease of blackgram. The mass cultures of selected Trichoderma species and the test pathogen, M. phaseolina were prepared on barley grain. The seed of susceptible variety of blackgram (T 9) were sown separately in the treated and control pots. Effect of the Trichoderma species amended in natural soil on per cent disease control of root rot of blackgram showed that the per cent mortality in blackgram plants was 92.2% in control but it was highly reduced in treatment. Amongst the antagonists, T. harzianum IVRI showed maximum disease control (80.2 %) at 3% concentration but it was insignificant with T. harzianum BHU.