Efficacy of bio-control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini causing wilt in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

Abstract

A two-year field investigation (2022–24) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different bio-control agents in managing cumin wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini. Six treatments, including soil applications of farmyard manure (FYM) enriched with Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, other microbial antagonists, and a control, were assessed for wilt incidence at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Among the treatments, FYM enriched with T. harzianum (T2) consistently recorded the lowest disease incidence across all stages in both years, with the highest reduction (up to 70.69%) over the untreated control (T6). Similarly, T. viride (T1) was also effective, with a substantial reduction in disease incidence. Pooled data showed that T2 and T1 achieved the lowest mean wilt incidence (11.46% and 14.23%, respectively). Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) values further confirmed the superior performance of T. harzianum and T. viride in both seasons. Seed yield significantly improved under these treatments, with pooled yields of 6.54 q/ha (T2) and 6.24 q/ha (T1), compared to 2.39 q/ha in the control. No significant differences were observed among treatments for volatile oil content and 1000-seed weight. The results highlight the potential of T. harzianum and T. viride as effective and eco-friendly bio-control agents for sustainable management of cumin wilt and enhanced crop productivity.