BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ROOT-ROT DISEASE COMPLEX OF CHICKPEA CAUSED BY MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA RACE 3 AND MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA

Abstract

Four biocontrol agents viz. Paecilomyces lilacinus, Acrophialophora fusispora, Bacillus licheniformis and Alcaligenes faecalis were used in three doses for the control of Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and Macrophomina phaseolina on chickpea (Cicer arietnum). All with the biocontrol agents except A. faecalis were found more effective in improving plant growth when used against M. incognita alone or with M. phaseolina but less effective against M. phaseolina alone. A faecalis had an adverse effect on plant growth. P. lilacinus was the best biocontrol agent while B. licheniformis and A. fusispora were equally effective.