Promissory Action of Trichoderma spp. and Fungicides in the Management of Fusarium Wilt of Gerbera

Novel Trichoderma harzianum isolate NVTH2, effective against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gerberae (FOG) causing wilt in Gerbera showed growth tolerance against azoxystrobin 23 % SC, kresoxim methyl 44.3% SC and carbendazim 50% WP at all the tested concentrations (50ppm, 100 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm and 2000 ppm) followed by fosetyl Al 50% WP, difenoconazole 25% EC and tebuconazole 250 EC (effective against FOG) moderately tolerant at lower concentrations. The fungicides like propioconazole 25% EC, propineb 70 WP and tebuconazole 50%+ trifloxystrobin 25% WG (effective against FOG) completely resisted the growth of NVTH2. Finally, a field experiment was designed by utilizing 3 most efficient Trichoderma spp. and 4 fungicides in combination treatments. As a result, root dipping+ soil drenching with NVTH2 @5ml/lit followed by soil drenching of tebuconazole @1ml/lit at fortnight interval alternately resulted in highest yield, growth promotion and percent inhibition of wilt incidence