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Integrated use of biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma for sustainable management of Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea

Summary

This study shows how combining three natural substances—rice husk biochar (a carbon-rich soil additive), Cassia fistula plant extract, and a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum—can effectively protect chickpea crops from a harmful soil disease called collar rot. The combination not only reduced disease occurrence from 64% to 35% but also improved plant growth and strengthened plants’ natural defense mechanisms. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides while improving soil health and crop productivity.

Background

Sclerotium rolfsii is a devastating soil-borne pathogen causing collar rot in chickpea, leading to significant crop yield losses of 50-70%. Sustainable disease management strategies are needed to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides and environmental hazards. This study explores the integrated use of rice husk biochar, Cassia fistula extract, and Trichoderma harzianum as a promising approach for controlling S. rolfsii in chickpea cultivation.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of 3% rice husk biochar, 450 ppm Cassia fistula extract, and Trichoderma harzianum in managing Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea. The study analyzed biochar properties, treatment impacts on T. harzianum spore counts, plant growth parameters, soil health, disease incidence, and phenolic content under field conditions.

Results

The 3% RHB with 450 ppm cassia extract significantly enhanced T. harzianum growth, achieving a spore count of 34 × 10⁵ CFU/mL and reducing disease incidence from 64% to 35%. The combination treatment resulted in increased shoot length of 45.7 cm, root mass of 4.73 g/plant, and phenolic content of 0.49 µg GAE g⁻¹, demonstrating superior pathogen suppression compared to individual treatments.

Conclusion

The biochar-cassia-T. harzianum combination provides an effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly strategy for managing soil-borne pathogens and improving chickpea crop productivity. The integrated approach enhances plant defense mechanisms through phenolic content accumulation, manages soil-borne pathogens, and boosts overall crop productivity. Future research should investigate underlying molecular mechanisms and expand application to other crops and pathogens.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Field Experiment,
  • Source: PMC12243410
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