Evaluation of different plant protectants against seed mycoflora of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (thunb.) Matsum and Nakai]

Abstract

In the present study, chemicals and antagonists were used for their efficacy in the management of seed-borne fungal pathogens of watermelon. The fungal species belonging to different genera were isolated from the seeds of watermelon and were used to assess their vulnerability to an array of chemicals and bio-agents. Among the fungal pathogens, Fusarium species was effectively suppressed due to Bavistin. Topsin also gave the promising results against all the fungal pathogens. Whereas, Dithane M-45 effectively controlled Didymella bryoniae. Seed treatment with antagonists like Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride improved the seed germination, seedling vigour and reduced the incidence of seed-borne fungal pathogens compared to control. Bavistin and Topsin among chemicals, T. harzianum among bio-agents increased the seed germination and vigour index significantly. Trichoderma harzianum showed its efficacy against all Fusarium species and even stood more effective than Captan and Blitox. However, Pseudomonas fluorescens also showed promising effect against Didymella bryoniae over fungicides.