Biological Control Agents for the Management of Basal Stem Rot Disease in Coconut

摘要

Ten isolates of each antagonistic Pseudomonas and Trichoderma were isolated from coconut roots and rhizospheric soil and their inhibitory potential against Ganoderma lucidum was ascertained through dual culture method. Among the isolates, P10 of Pseudomonas and T5 of Trichoderma exhibited the maximum inhibition to mycelial growth of fungus. The isolates exhibiting maximum inhibition were compatible with each other. The isolates P10 of Pseudomonas sp and T5 of Trichoderma were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma reesei. Further, these two isolates were evaluated under field conditions for their efficacy against basal stem rot disease of coconut. It was observed that soil application of 125 g of each Trichoderma reesei and Pseudomonas sp along with neem cake 5 kg per palm per year reduced the disease incidence and increased the nut yield of coconut.