Demonstration of efficacy of bio-control agents in managing soil-borne diseases of various crops in arid region of India

Abstract

Effectiveness of bio-formulated products of bio-agents Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus firmus and consortium of both as seed treatment were demonstrated at farmer’s field against dry root rot of guar, moth bean, mung bean and sesame caused by Macrophomina phaseolina during rainy seasons of 2007–2016. The efficacy of T. harzianum was also demonstrated against wilt of cumin caused by Fusarium oxysporum f sp. cumini. Studies revealed that seed treatment with bio-agents significantly reduced incidence of dry root rot on legumes (4.7%), oilseeds (21.6%) and that of wilt on cumin (22.6%) in all the demonstrations resulting in significant increase in seed yield. Maximum yield promotion (14.9–19.0%) due to seed treatment was recorded in sesame during both the years at villages of Pali district. Similarly, significant reduction in wilt incidence and thereby increased seed yield (14.5–23.1%) was recorded in cumin at both the districts of Rajasthan. Consortium of both the bio-agents also increased seed yield by 22.9% in guar at Jodhpur. These demonstrations have resulted in wider acceptance by rain-fed farmers and more by cumin growers under irrigated conditions.