Elucidating the effect of biocontrol agents on seed mycoflora and plant growth characteristics of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Abstract 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. was 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 genera 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 increased seed germination (85.00%), root length (10.45 cm), shoot length (3.07 cm) and seedling vigour index (1149). The outcomes of this study provide encouragement for continued research on biological control of seed borne diseases. The bioagents especially fungi and bacteria have advantage over chemical control such as self- dispersion, self- sustaining and ecofriendly.