Consortia of entomo-pathogenic fungi and bio-control agents improve the agro-ecological conditions for brinjal cultivation of Assam

Abstract

A liquid consortial formulation with three compatible biocontrol agents viz., Trichoderma harzianum, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae was prepared with already standardized additives (Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, Assam). Pot and field experiments conducted to test the efficacy of six different IPDM (Integrated Pests and Disease Management) modules with the prepared consortia showed that module-6 (seed treatment + seed bed treatment in nursery + soil application in main field + seedling dip treatment with consortia of biofertilizer, Rhizobium sp., Azotobacter sp. strain 52, Azospirillum sp. strain 71 and Bacillus sp. strain 5 W + spraying of consortia) was the best for the management of three important diseases of brinjal viz., Phomopsis leaf blight and fruit rot, Alternaria leaf spot, and Fusarium wilt. Field experiment repeated in the second year ustilizing six different modules revealed the module 6 as best in reduction of disease incidence and increasing the growth parameters and yield of the crop. Result of pooled analysis of field experiments showed a yield of 570.97q/ha with B:C ratio 3.99. The module was also found effective in improving the nutrient status with significant increase in P and K status of soil as well as microbial biomass carbon in both the years of experimentation (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). The module can be used by the farmers for organic cultivation of brinjal after further confirmation in multi locations of diverse agroecological condition of Assam.

Current Status and Future Strategies of Microbial Control of Fungal Diseases of Forest Trees

“…strain 5W) and spraying of the same consortium. Furthermore, this module was found to be effective in improving soil nutrient levels, with a significant increase in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content, as well as microbial biomass carbon in both years of experimentation (Upamanya et al, 2020). Pending further confirmation in diverse agro-ecological conditions in Assam, this module holds promise for organic brinjal cultivation and can potentially be adopted by farmers (Upamanya et al, 2020).…”

“…In recent pot and field experiments conducted by Upamanya et al (2020), to evaluate the effectiveness of six different Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) modules using prepared consortia, a combination of methods proved to be the most successful in managing diseases such as Phomopsis leaf blight, Alternaria leaf spot and Fusarium wilt. This comprehensive approach involved seed treatment + seed bed treatment in the nursery + soil application in the main field + seedling dip treatment with a consortium of biofertilizers (Rhizobium sp., Azotobacter sp.…”

Trichoderma- from lab bench to field application: Looking back over 50 years

“…In contrast, inhibitory effect on growth of T. harzianum was observed under all the tested concentrations of ZnONPs. Recently, in a study by Upamanya et al (2020), compatible reactions of T. harzianum and T. asperellum were also tested with fungal entomopathogens viz., Beauveria bassiana s.l., and Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. (recently named as M. robertsii) for development of microbial consortia.…”

Trchoderma Spp.: Their Impact in Crops Diseases Management

“…The dosage and application have to be standardized based on the crop value. Foliar spraying of consortial formulation of Trichoderma harzianum + two entomopathogeic fungi along with seed treatment, seedling root treatment showed significant reduction of three important diseases of brinjal viz., Phomopsis leaf blight and fruit rot, Alternaria leaf spot, and Fusarium wilt [103]).…”