Efficacy of botanicals, bio-agents and fungicides against Fusariumudum causing wilt disease of pigeonpea In Vitro

Abstract

Pigeon pea is an important pulse crop of India and its production is greatly affected by wilt disease. Pigeon pea wilt is a very destructive soil borne disease caused by Fusariumudam. In present research work plant extracts (Garlic, Neem, Tulsi), bio-agents (Trichodrema viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and fungicides (Vitavax, Bavistin and Thiram + Carbendazim) were tested against Fusarium udum. Fungicides namely Vitavax Power (0.2%), Bavistin 25SD (0.1%), Thiram + Carbendazim (0.3%) were tested by poisoned food technique in vitro and resulted cent per cent restriction of radial growth of F. udum up to 96 hrs. The results indicate that the antagonist effect on radial growth of F. udum was highest in Pseudomonas fluorescens (4.82 to 5.95mm) followed by T. viride (5.15 to 6.66mm) in comparison to check (81.00 to 90.00mm). The maximum inhibition was recorded at 10% concentration. The radial growth in plant extracts ranged from 2.32mm (Garlic bulb) to 6.15mm (Neem leaves) at 48 hrs of incubation period. The similar trends were also observed in 5% concentration of all incubation period.