Combined application of fungal and bacterial bio-agents, together with fungicide and Mesorhizobium for integrated management of Fusarium wilt of chickpea

An integrated management strategy involving fungal (Trichoderma harzianum) and bacterial (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus species) antagonists, rhizobacterium and a fungicide was developed for the management of chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). PGPR strain P. fluorescens 80 (Pf 80) and Bacillus species (Bskm 5) caused the highest mycelial growth inhibition. Pf 80 was found to be compatible with T. harzianum and Mesorhizobium ciceri. The fungicides Vitavax, Topsin M, Thiram, Ridomil MZ 72, Captaf and Indofil M 45 inhibited growth of Foc and were found to be compatible with T. harzianum. Pf 80 and M. ciceri were insensitive to the fungicides including Vitavax power. The combination of seed dressing formulation Pusa 5SD developed from T. harzianum, Pf 80, M. ciceri and Vitavax power provided maximum protection to emerging seedlings. The seeds treated with Pusa 5SD + Pf 80 + M. ciceri + Vitavax power provided the highest germination, grain yield and the lowest wilt incidence in pot and field experiments.