In Vitro Studies On Management Of Root Rot Disease Caused By Ganoderma Lucidum In Prosopis Cineraria

Abstract

<em>Ganoderma </em><em>lucidum </em>is a group of wood-decaying macro-fungi, reported as the major causal organism of the root rot disease of several economically important tree species of arid and semi arid regions such as <em>Prosopis cineraria </em>(L.) Druce,<em> Delbergia sissoo </em>Roxb.,<em> Acacia tortalis </em>(Forssk.) Hayne,<em> A. nilotica </em>(L.) Del.,<em> A. catechu </em>(L.) Willd,<em> Albizia lebbeck</em> (L.) Willd and <em>Azadirachta indica </em>A. Juss. Plant-derived compounds are regarded as a substantial source for control of fungal diseases in plants and are considered as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. The present study was carried out to develop a suitable integrated management package against <em>G. lucidum</em> using integration of biocontrol agent with chemical fungicides and botanicals which are compatible to each other. Bioassay of <em>G. lucidum</em>, with chemical fungicides viz. bavistin, mancozeb, propiconazole and copper oxy-chloride, biocontrol agents viz.<em> Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum </em>and <em>T. pseudokoningii </em>and few botanicals viz. <em>Datura stramonium</em> Linn., <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> (L.) Del, <em>Ailanthus excelsa</em> Roxb., <em>Lantana camara</em> L. and <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> (Sw.) DC., which had medicinal properties and were known for presence of secondary metabolites were selected. The results showed suppression of the test fungus by bavistin, propiconazole and mancozeb with 0.10% concentration. Out of the three bioagents <em>T. harzianum</em> showed best results in overcoming and suppressing the test fungus. Some botanicals tested against <em>G. lucidum</em>, gave promising results <em>in vitro.</em>