On - farm demonstrations of Trichoderma harzianum in pulse crops under rainfed conditions of Bundelkhand - A case study

Abstract

On- farm demonstrations on Trichoderma harzianum were undertaken to empower farmers and show the potential against root rot complex and wilt disease in major pulse crops. Accordingly, a project was implemented during 2008-2011 in six villages with 620 farmers under rainfed conditions of Sumerpur Block, Hamirpur district in Bundelkhand of Uttar Pradesh. The identified native strain of Trichoderma harzianum (IPT 31) was multiplied and supplied to farmers for seed treatment in chickpea, lentil and pigeonpea crops. The results showed that the overall reduction in plant mortality due to root rot complex over control was 32.1% and 14.3% in chickpea and lentil, respectively. However, the reduction in wilt incidence was observed 26.7% in chickpea and 25.9% of lentil. Further, the percent increase in yield over the control was 16.6% and 12.6% in chickpea and lentil, respectively. The additional yield in chickpea and lentil from T. harzianum application was received 1.30 q/ha and 0.93 q/ha with economic gain of 2600 and 2800/ha. The impact of T. harzianum in pigeonpea was observed to a lesser extent. The availability of soil moisture played an important role in effectiveness of Trichoderma. The increase in awareness and knowledge on nature, role and benefits of T. harzianum; methods of application, source of availability and market price was observed between 20 to 70 percent.