Field performance of Trichoderma species against wilt disease complex of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceri and Rhizoctonia solani

The effects of Trichoderma harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride, T. polysporum, and T. koningii on the wilt disease complex of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Rhizoctonia solani were investigated under field conditions during 2 consecutive years. Chickpea cultivar Avrodhi, grown in plots inoculated with F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and R. solani, showed chlorosis of leaves and wilting of foliage and exhibited a 22%-25% decrease in yield. Soil application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) checked the severity of wilt by 25%-56% and 39%-67% and increased the yield of chickpea by 12%-28% and 8%-24% in the 2 years, respectively. The disease control and yield enhancement were highest with T. harzianum, followed by T. hamatum and T. viride. Carbendazim treatment suppressed the disease by 20%-24%, leading to a 23%-28% improvement in the yield of chickpea. The BCAs established in the soil, and their rhizosphere populations, increased in the pathogen-infested plots. The study has demonstrated that T. harzianum, T. hamatum, and T. viride may perform as well as fungicide against wilt disease in chickpeas.