Studies on the compatibility of Trichoderma spp. with nematicides under in vitro conditions

Abstract

Biological control is environmentally acceptable approach for disease management, it involves the use of beneficial microorganisms to control plant pathogens and the diseases they cause. Biological control of soil borne plant pathogens is a vital area of plant pathological research all over the world in these days. Among the fungal biocontrol agents, Trichoderma spp. have acquired much importance. Although use of biocontrol agents could reduce the use of chemicals to a limited extent, it is less reliable and less efficient. One of the most promising possibilities of biocontrol with Trichoderma strains within the frames of a complex integrated plant protection, which is based on the combined application of physical, chemical and biological means of disease control. In the case of the integrated management strategy when Trichoderma strains are combined with chemical pesticides, on the basis of an experiment was conducted to evaluate the different pesticides for compatibility against Tricoderma spp. Four nematicide namely; Carbofuron, Aldicarb, Phorate and Thionazin were tested at 0.1% and 0.2% concentrations in vitro by poisoned food technique. The observations were recorded on radial mycelial growth of Trichoderma after 24, 48 and 72 hours intervals. Minimum inhibition of mycelial growth of Trichoderma was observed in Phorate (4.37& 8.75%) at the concentration (0.1& 0.2%) followed by carbofuran (11.63 & 13.13%). Whereas Aldicarb was found most inhibitory (36.50 & 58.39%) at both the concentration respectively. Results indicate that Carbofuran and Phorate compatible with Trichoderma for the management of RKN in rice.