Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
KP Baraiya, AK Baraiya, VC Gadhiya, SH Lakhani and JN Thaker

Abstract:
Trichoderma have long been recognized as bio-control agents for the control of plant diseases and for their ability to enhance root growth and development, crop productivity, resistance to abiotic stresses, and uptake and use of nutrients. It is a very effective biological mean for plant disease management especially the soil born. For the management of soil borne diseases especially stem and pod rot of groundnut, Trichoderma harzianum is very effective. Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) has started the commercial production and selling of bio-agent Trichoderma harzianum culture under the brand name of SAWAJ Trichoderma. The survey of 100 farmers were carried out by interview schedule and analyzed. The study revealed that respondents were middle age, educated up to secondary level, occupation of agriculture and animal husbandry with medium size land holding. Television, agriculture fair, Krishi Mela and farmers seminar are the main extension participation of the respondent. They are adaptability after knowing other experience farmers only and they believed use farming is very risky business. The perception of respondent were first rank to Trichoderma can mix with FYM (4. 35 mean score), followed by mix with sand (4.34), use in any type of soil (4.33), pre application is more beneficial (4.32) means scores, for second, third and fourth rank, respectively. The minimum mean score of 1.74 found for benefit of Trichoderma is not found, and it was followed by 1.97 mean score in Necessary to seed treatment with Trichoderma on groundnut seed kernels for protection of infestation of pest & diseases. They have main constraints that Trichoderma cannot mix with chemical fertilizer, and another is SAWAJ Trichoderma is not available at block level. Respondents have been given suggestions to overcome the constraints are it should be available at block level with more than six months validity. Thus, overall respondents says that SAWAJ Trichoderma is very use full for soil borne disease management and cost reduction.