Exploring the indigenous Trichoderma strains from pulses rhizosphere and their biocontrol potential against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri in chickpea

Wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceri (FOC) is one of the most important soil borne pathogen of chickpea worldwide. Twelve indigenous isolate of Trichoderma asperellum were identified and characterized on the basis of their cultural, morphological and molecular (ITS4/6) from pulses rhizosphere of Bundelkhand region. They were evaluated against Foc for their antagonistic and growth promotion potential. Among which, two isolates (IIPRTas-1 and IIPRTas-2) were identified most promising and showed highest inhibition of mycelial growth of test pathogen (76.58 and 73.29% respectively). The isolate IIPRTas-1 was identified as multi-trait isolate for its growth promotion along with antagonistic activity. The identified multi-trait indigenous T. asperellum isolates (IIPRTas-1) from pulses rhizosphere of Bundelkhand region would be effectively utilized to minimize the crop losses through wilt disease and get incremental yield through plant growth promotion in chickpea. © 2021, Indian Phytopathological Society.