Biocontrol agents to combat Fusarium wilt supporting disease management strategies in organic farming of lentil

This study delves into the intriguing role of bioagents in tackling Fusarium wilt in lentil (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis) by stimulating plant defense mechanisms, reducing wilt incidence, and regulating growth factors to boost yield. Biocontrol agents: Trichoderma harzianum (Th-14) (PB1), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Psf 173) (PB2), or a mix of the two (PB3) were used at both in vitro and in vivo at different doses (6 g, 10 g, and 15 g per kg seed). Bioagent, Pseudomonas fluorescens (Strain Psf 173) exhibited a significant 70 percent inhibition of the pathogen mycelium radial growth along with the significant decrease in the wilt disease and an increase in yield in the field after the seed treatment. The plant defense-related enzymes such as PAL, PO, PPO, and catalase also increased many folds. Thus, demonstrated a promising result in controlling Fusarium wilt in lentil in organic farming.