EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES, MICROBIAL ANTAGONISTS AND OIL CAKES IN THE CONTROL OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM, THE CAUSE OF SEED ROT AND ROOT INFECTION OF BOTTLE GOURD AND CUCUMBER

Abstract

Fungicides, microbial antagonists and oilcakes were used In vitro and In vivo to control Fusarium oxysporum, the cause of seed rot, seedling and root infection of bottle gourd and cucumber. Aliette, Benlate and Carbendazim completely inhibit the colony growth of F. oxysoprum @ 100 ppm whereas Mancozeb, Ridomil, Topsin-M and Vitavax completely inhibited the colony growth at 1000 ppm. Fungicidal treatment of bottle gourd and cucumber seeds artificially infested with F. oxysporum significantly reduced seedling mortality and root infection. Benlate, Carbendazim and Topsin-M completely checked seedling mortality in bottle gourd. Microbial antagonists viz., Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Gliocladium virens, Bacillus subtilis and Stachybotrys atra significantly reduced seedling mortality and root rot infection of F. oxysporum in bottle gourd and cucumber In vitro and In vivo. T. harzianum was found most effective in reducing seedling mortality and root infection in cucumber and bottle gourd. Mustard cake supplemented at high ratio reduced seedling mortality and markedly increased germination in bottle gourd and cucumber.