Effect of different biocontrol agents and fungicides against stem rot of cowpea caused by S. rolfsii under pot condition

Abstract

Stem rot is common disease of cowpea caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. Total nineteen treatments were selected for pot trials and biochemical studies. Among them, fungicides applied as a seed treatment and biocontrol agents applied as a soil application. In which, all the treatments significantly control the disease over control. Significantly minimum disease incidence (10.01%) was recorded in carbendazim 25% + mancozeb 50% WS at 2.5 g/kg of seed treatment. While, T. koningii which was at par with T. virens at 25 g/kg of soil application and propineb 70% WP at 2.5 g/kg of seed treatment, which were recorded 20.02, 24.85 and 26.59 per cent disease incidence, respectively. Biochemical parameters except total sugar (total phenol and total protein) and defense related enzymes (CAT, PAL, POX, PPO and SOD) activities were increased in all the treatment as compared to healthy and S. rolfsii infected cowpea plant. While, total sugar content was decreased in cowpea plant after S. rolfsii infection as compared to healthy and seed treatment given by fungicides applied. Various biocontrol control agents applied as a soil application enhanced the total sugar content in plant.