Management of wilt disease complex in castor

The efficacy of biocontrol agents and chemicals under in vitro condition was evaluated against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini. Pot culture studies were conducted with biocontrol agents and chemicals for the management of wilt disease complex of castor caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini and nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. All the treatments significantly decreased wilt incidence and improved plant growth compared to untreated inoculated control. Combination treatment of carbofuran @ 2g/kg soil + carbendazim @ 1g/kg soil was found most effective in reducing wilt incidence and reniform nematode population followed by Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg seed + Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/kg seed.