Development of novel Trichoderma bioformulations against Fusarium wilt of chickpea

Chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC) is one of the most prevalent and damaging diseases in chickpea-growing areas. To manage FOC in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, the current studies were carried out in 2023 and 2024, and emulsion-based bioformulations of two potential Trichoderma isolates, T. harzianum AMUTH-1 and T. viride AMUTV-1 were prepared and tested under field conditions. For comparison, Pseudomonas fluorescens AMUPF-1, Grow-Power™ (commercial bioagent) and fungicide (carbendazim) were used as benchmarks. Field studies have shown that chickpea variety RVG-202 was highly susceptible to FOC and developed severe wilt at the vegetative stage. However, application of the emulsion-based bioformulation of T. harzianum significantly reduced the wilt severity (55%) and enhanced the plant growth and yield of chickpea by 23-33% and 31%, respectively. The effect of this emulsion formulation was also at par with fungicide, carbendazim and commercial bioagent, Grow-Power™. Hence, T. harzianum emulsion bioformulation may be considered as an alternative control measure for multi-pathogenic diseases of chickpea plants. This outcome could also be used to devise a suitable integrated management module to safeguard chickpea plants from the FOC.