In vitro Efficacy of Fungicides and Bioagents Against Wilt of Pigeonpea Caused by Neocosmospora vasinfecta

Background: Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is one of the important leguminous crop of the tropics and subtropics and is infected by the wilt pathogen Neocosmospora vasinfecta in addition to Fusarium udum. Objective: Hence, the study was undertaken to see the in vitro effect of different fungicides (Thiram 75 WP, Carbendazim 50 WP, Chlorothalonil 75 WP, Metalaxyl MZ 72 WP, Thiram+Cabendazim (2:1), Carbendazim+mancozeb 75 WP, Tricyclazole+Mancozeb 80 WP, Zineb+Hexaconazole 72 WP) and bioagents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis) against the pathogen. Methodology: The efficacy of fungicides was assayed by poisoned food technique and of bioagents was assayed by dual culture technique. Results: It was found that among eight fungicides tested carbendazim (0.1%), combination of carbendazim+mancozeb (0.2 %) and thiram+carbendazim 2:1 (0.3%) exhibited cent per cent inhibition of N. vasinfecta, other fungicides were also significant over control. Whereas among bioagents tested, Trichoderma herzianum (50.30%) showed maximum per cent growth inhibition of the pathogen followed by Bacillus subtilis (41.47%). Conclusion: Thus it was proved that the fungicides viz. carbendazim, combinations of carbendazim+mancozeb and thiram+carbendazim as well as bioagent, T. herzianum were effective against Neocosmospora wilt of pigeon pea under in vitro condition.