Studies on the efficacy of fungal bioagents on dry shoot weight of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Abstract

The efficacy of different doses of biological control agents on dry shoot weight of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) was studied at Indian Grassland Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) Jhansi. A maximum increase in the dry weight of shoot was observed due to Trichoderma harzianum followed by Trichoderma viride at various doses. Both the biological agents acted more effectively at 10 to15 g dose. The study also reveals that the Trichoderma species namely Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Trichoderma koningii did not visualize any significant difference in their efficacies when compared from each other. Aspergillus flavus proved to be least effective and showed minimum dry shoot weights. Among the bioagents, Trichoderma spp. were superior than Aspergillus spp. Bavistin was also effective in increasing the dry shoot weights and was statistically at par with Trichoderma harzianum.