Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
KV Shivakumar and SK Sarkar

Abstract:
Sunhemp, a leguminous crop widely grown in tropical regions, is threatened by Fusarium wilt, a soil-borne disease causing significant economic losses. In vitro bio-efficacy of five Trichoderma isolates and six fungicides were evaluated against the test pathogen. The Trichoderma isolate T-1 demonstrated the highest reduction in colony growth (75.13%) and carbendazim, propiconazole, carboxin, and tebuconazole were the most effective fungicides. In a two-year field study, seed treatment with carboxin + thiram, neem cake soil application, and Trichoderma sp. combined with intercropping with fodder sorghum showed the lowest mean wilt incidence of 11.35% and highest mean fiber yield of 8.56 q/ha. A comprehensive strategy integrating bioagents, organic amendments, and fungicides can effectively manage Fusarium wilt in sunhemp.