Integrated Use of Trichoderma spp. and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract for Management of Stem Rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) in Groundnut
Niharika Bhatnagar *
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abhilasha A. Lal
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Atul Suresh Bawane
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Shubham Singh
Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), one of the most important oilseed crops grown across tropical and subtropical regions, faces a serious threat from stem rot disease. This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii, which can severely impact plant health and reduce yields. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of combination of bioagent and neem oil as biocontrol strategies in managing stem rot. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and three replications. Among seven treatments disease incidence (%) at 60, 75 and 90 days after sowing recorded minimum in treatment T1- Trichoderma harzianum (S.T) + Neem leaf extract @10% (F.S) (11.11%), (17.67%) and (17.77%), followed by T5- Trichoderma asperellum (S.T) + Neem leaf extract @10% (F.S) (13.33%), (22.23%) and (24.44%) and least in T3- Trichoderma reesei (S.T) + Neem leaf extract @10% (F.S) (44.44%), (30.00%) and (44.44%) respectively.
Keywords: Groundnut, neem leaf extract, Sclerotium rolfsii, Trichoderma spp