Evaluation of biocontrol agents for the management of stem and root rot diseases of jute using sustainable integrated approach

Abstract

Five sustainable integrated modules utilizing biocontrol agents were evaluated under field condition during two consecutive years i.e. 2012 and 2013 and compared with recommended farmers’ practice along with absolute check to assess their effect on the incidence of stem and root rot diseases of jute, as a part of sustainable integrated disease management approach. Among all treatments, the module (T3) comprising 50% NPK + seed treatment (ST) with Azotobacter chroococcum with spore load 1 × 10⁸ cfu/ml of the solution and PSB at 5 g/kg + Trichoderma viride with spore load 1 × 10⁶ cfu/ml of the solution (ST at 5 g/kg of seed and soil application at 2 kg/ha at 21 DAS) + spray with PF at 0.2% at 55 DAS, was found most significant as it showed only 3.3 and 2.0% incidence of stem and root rot as compared to control which were 15.7 and 9.0%, respectively. Moreover, the effect of treatments also supported yield components viz., plant height (317.3 cm), basal diameter (1.7 cm) and fibre yield (26.5 q/ha). The next most effective module was T5 [FYM at 5t/ha + ST with Azotobacter and PSB at 5 g/kg + T. viride (ST at 5 g/kg and soil application at 2 kg/ha at 21DAS) + spray of PF at 0.2% at 45DAS].