Effect of Bio Control Agents on Seed-Borne Mycoflora and Seedling Vigour of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the important and top ranked oilseed crops cultivated across the world. The major challenges limiting the soybean production in India are poor germination and low seed viability. Different micro-organisms, especially fungi, are major barricades and affecting seed quality. Fungal diseases of plants have been practiced to be managed by using synthetic fungicides. However, these chemicals are not only expensive, but also hazardous to the environment. To overcome these challenges, biological control is one of eco-friendly solution, that increasingly significantly minimize the disease incidence and eventually season crop losses Thus, the effect of different biocontrol agents viz. Trichoderma viride (TV-1), T. harzianum (TH-4), T. koningii (JMA- 11), T. harzianum (TH- 11), T. koningii (DMA- 8), Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus sp. were assessed on seed mycoflora and plant growth characteristics of soybean var. Shivalik under in vitro conditions. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum truncatum were recorded more predominant pathogens in soybean seed. Among different bio control agents T. harzianum (TH-11) was found most effective against mycelial growth of A. niger, C. truncatum and A. alternata exhibited 46.16, 72.90 and 72.13 per cent mycelial inhibition, respectively. The seed treatment with T. harzianum (TH-11) also enhanced seed germination (85.00%), root length (10.45 cm), shoot length (3.07 cm) and seedling vigour index (1149). The findings of this investigation underscore the potential of  biological control methods for managing seed-borne diseases, warranting further research and exploration.