Biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum for management of collar rot incited by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. and growth enhancement in chickpea
Keywords:
Biocontrol, Chickpea, Collar rot, Dalhanderma, Trichoderma asperellum, Sclerotium rolfsiiAbstract
Collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a major constraint in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production, especially in warm and humid regions. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of fifteen Trichoderma asperellum isolates against S. rolfsii through in vitro dual culture assays and greenhouse pot trials. Among the isolates, IPR Tas-13 exhibited the highest mycelial inhibition (81.57%), followed by IIPR Tas-2 (77.43%) and IPR Tas-15 (75.94%). In vivo experiments with chickpea variety JG-62 confirmed that IPR Tas-13 significantly enhanced seed germination (96.44%) and plant height (45.34 cm), while reducing disease incidence (15.07%). These results were compared with commercial T. asperellum formulation Dalhanderma (14.11% disease incidence) and the fungicide Tebuconazole 50% (11.95%), which also showed effective disease suppression. The findings suggested that IPR Tas-13 is a promising biocontrol agent with strong antagonistic activity and growthpromoting effects,offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing collar rot in chickpea.
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