Evaluation of Trichoderma-Based Bio-Fungicide and Poultry Manure for the Management of Foot and Root Rot Disease in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii

Abstract

Foot and root rot disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, poses a major constraint to mung bean (Vigna radiata) production, leading to significant yield losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma-based bio-fungicides and organic amendments, particularly poultry manure, in managing the disease and enhancing mung bean growth and yield under field conditions. Additionally, the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma formulations against S. rolfsii was assessed in vitro. Field experiments were conducted in a naturally infested field using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Six organic amendments—poultry manure, cow dung, wood ash, vermicompost, mustard oil cake, and sunflower oil cake—were tested alongside seed treatment with BAU-Biofungicide (Trichoderma harzianum). Pathogen isolation and identification were performed, and the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma formulations was evaluated using the dual culture method. Field emergence, pre- and post-emergence mortality, and yield parameters were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests at p<0.05. In vitro analysis revealed that BAU-Biofungicide and Trichoderma suspension significantly inhibited S. rolfsii mycelial growth by 71.11% and 65.83%, respectively. Field trials demonstrated that poultry manure and vermicompost significantly improved field emergence (75.0% and 70.0%, respectively) and reduced pre- and post-emergence mortality compared to the control. Poultry manure resulted in the highest grain yield (922.5 kg/ha), followed by vermicompost (917.5 kg/ha), with yield increases of 29.93% and 29.23% over the control, respectively. This study highlights the effectiveness of Trichoderma-based bio-fungicides, particularly BAU-Biofungicide, and organic amendments such as poultry manure and vermicompost in managing S. rolfsii and enhancing mung bean productivity. Integrating biological control agents with organic amendments presents a promising strategy for sustainable disease management and improved crop yields. Future research should focus on optimizing application methods and assessing long-term soil health benefits