Evaluation of bioagents against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing Sclerotinia rot of Indian mustard

Abstract

Among the fungal diseases, Sclerotinia rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is the most
destructive disease of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.], and its management with
chemicals is not economically viable, and environmentally safe. Therefore, the present investigations were
aimed to carry out the test of bioagents against S. Sclerotiorum under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Invitro,
screening of bioagents (Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride) was done by dual
culture technique. All the bio agents viz., Bacillus subtilis, T. harzianum, and T. viride were antagonistic to
the growth of S. sclerotiorum. Maximum 69.8 % mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen was recorded with T.
viride, and minimum mycelial growth inhibition was recorded by Bacillus subtilis (42.2%). Results under
field conditions revealed that minimum disease intensity (26.0 %) was recorded with seed + soil application of
T. viride followed by soil application of T. viride (35.7 %) as compared to control (68.3 %).