DEVELOPMENT OF A Na-ALGINATE-BASED BIOFORMULATION AND ITS USE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHARCOAL ROT OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

Abstract

The treatment of sunflower seeds with Na-alginate in combination with Ca-carbonate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) showed maximum increase in plant length and weight followed by seed coated with Na-alginate in combination with Ca-carbonate and gum arabic. Maximum control of Macrophomina phaseolina infection was recorded when seeds were coated with Na-alginate in combination with Ca-carbonate and gum arabic followed by Na-alginate in combination with Cacarbonate and CMC. In another experiment when sunflower seeds were coated with Na-alginate at 1, 2 and 4% w/w with or without Trichoderma viride, T. resei, significant increase in germination was recorded when seeds were coated with Trichoderma species using Na alginate at different concentrations as a sticker. Plant length and weight was significantly higher in treated seeds as compared to non treated control. Seeds coated with T. viride using 2% Na-alginate as a sticker showed maximum increase in plant length and weight followed by seed coated with T. viride in combination with 1% Naalginate. Maximum vigor index were observed in sunflower seeds treated with T. viridi using 2% Na-alginate.