Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Biocontrol against Fusarium Wilt of Pea

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of human food that also helps in the management of soil fertility, particularly in dry lands. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is one of the most important limiting factors of Pea production in India. The present study shows the status of Mycorrhization in three test varieties of Pea. As the results revealed irrespective to the crops when Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were assessed under the influence of soil quality better results were obtained with unsterile soil in comparison to sterile soil in earthen pots. Interest in biological control has increased recently concerns over the use of chemicals in the environment in general, and the need to find alternatives to the use of chemicals for disease control in particular. Pea variety Pant Matar 2 showed the best result against the Fusarium wilt and Pea variety AZAD P-2 was susceptible against the Fusarium wilt. Acaulospora spinosa showed best results with JAWAHAR MATAR 4, Glomus mosseae with AZAD P-2 and Glomus fasciculatum showed best results with Pant meter 2. Inoculum of Glomus mosseae for variety AZAD P 2, G. fasciculatum for AZAD P-2 and Acaulospora spinosa for variety JAWAHAR MATAR 4 consisted of colonized pieces of root, soil and spores, derived from pot cultures prepared with Zea mays grown in 1:9 soil-sand (pH 7.3) or 1:9 soil-sand (pH 5.6) to take into account pH preferences of the fungi. The AMF mix was 1:1 mixture of this inoculum. The lowest percentage mycorrhizal colonization was found on plants with the most severe disease symptoms.