Biological management of cowpea web blight incited by Rhizoctonia solani

Among the diseases of cowpea, web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is most serious soil borne disease which causes severe yield loss. A field trial was conducted during kharif 2016 to manage cowpea at ARS SKRAU, Bikaner. Combination T. harzianum plus B. subtilis used as seed treatment (5 + 5 g/kg) and application (5+5 kg/ha) proved be effective against incited R. in conditions provided maximum control (79.5%). Seed emergence, plant survival, fresh dry weight, root shoot lengths grain higher per cent mortality lower combination kg/ha). The bioagents present investigation could therefore, a part integrated management (IDM) strategy for areas where reported cause substantial losses.