On Farm Evaluation of Trichoderma against Root Rot (Rhizoctonia solani) in Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Abstract

Clusterbean, scientifically referred to as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub., commonly encounters the challenge of root rot, also known as black root rot, instigated by Rhizoctonia solani, particularly in the kharif season. In fields where neither seed treatment nor soil application of Trichoderma viride were employed, the disease incidence ranged between 18.83 to 25.3%. In contrast, in demonstrated plots during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where the seeds were treated @ 5 g kg-1 and the soil was treated @ 2.5 kg ha-1, mixed with 250-300 kg FYM and thoroughly incorporated into the field before sowing, the root rot incidence decreased significantly to 9.91 to 10.5%. Comparatively, the disease control rate of the demonstrated approach over the farmers' standard practices was recorded at 53.85%, resulting in a maximum average yield of 13.9 q ha-1. Additionally, the economic gross return and cost-benefit ratio were notably higher in the demonstrated approach (T2) @ Rs. 56,295.00 ha-1 and 3.76, respectively; while in the case of the farmers' practice (T2), it was Rs. 42,120.00 and 3.35.