In vitro efficacy of bioagents and fungicides against chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. ciceri

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legume crops belonging to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Among various fungal diseases, Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri has emerged as a major constraint to chickpea production in Maharashtra as well as across India. The disease has been reported to cause yield losses of more than 60-70%. Considering this the present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bioagents and fungicides against Fusarium wilt of chickpea. Among all seven bioagents tested in vitro were found antagonistic to F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri. Trichoderma harzianum resulted with highest mycelial growth inhibition, followed by Aspergillus niger. The most effective fungicide evaluated in vitro (1500, 1750, 2000 ppm), was Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP (100% mycelial growth inhibition), followed by Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS and Thiophanate Methyl 45% + Pyraclostrobin 5% FS.