COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF TRICHODERMA VIRIDE, T. HARZIANUM AND CARBENDAZIM AGAINST DAMPING-OFF DISEASE OF CAULIFLOWER CAUSED BY RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI KUEHN

Abstract

ABSTRACT Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum were evaluated along with fungicide (carbendazim 50 WP) as a seed treatment and soil drench against damping-off disease in cauliflower caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Under in-vitro conditions the bio-control agents significantly inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and under field conditions they caused significant reduction in damping-off incidence, increased the seed germination and improved plant growth vigor as compared to carbendazim and control. The findings of the present study concluded that seed treatment with Trichoderma harzanium and T. viride along with farm yard manure offered better performance against damping-off disease and seedling growth of cauliflower. Seed treatment and seedbed treatment with Trichoderma spp., with combination farm yard manure might be suggested to control soil-borne diseases and plant growth vigor.