Management of post flowering stalk rot of maize (Zea mays) caused by Fusarium moniliforme with native biocontrol agents

Abstract

Nine isolates of Trichoderma species were screened in vitro against post flowering stalk rot of maize (Zea mays L.)caused by Fusarium moniliforme Sheld. by dual culture test. All the isolates significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of F. moniliforme. Trichoderma harzianum isolate Th-1 showed strong mycoparasitism followed by T. viride isolate Tv-3 which was effective in suppression of mycelial growth of test pathogen and these were further selected for pot house and field studies. Under pot experiments, Th-1 based seed treatment @ 20 g/kg seed and amending the soil with FYM supplemented with talc based formulation of Th-1 were found superior in reducing the stalk rot incidence and severity and increasing the seed germination, root and shoot length and biomass in maize. Under field experiments, maximum disease control and seed germination were obtained when soil was broadcasted with FYM supplemented with Th-1 @ 2 kg talc/ q FYM and amendment of soil with FYM supplemented with Th-1 @ 100g/hill, respectively. Maximum increase in grain yield (40.5%) was obtained in FYM supplemented with Th-1 @ 100g/hill and further enhanced the growth of the plants indicating growth promoting ability of Th 1 isolate.