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

Summary

This study demonstrates that combining rice husk biochar with Cassia fistula plant extract and beneficial Trichoderma fungus effectively controls a destructive soil disease in chickpea crops. The combined treatment reduced disease occurrence by nearly 50% while improving plant growth and soil health. This eco-friendly approach offers farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting their chickpea crops.

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. Biochar, Cassia fistula, and Trichoderma harzianum have individually demonstrated antifungal and biocontrol properties.

Objective

To assess the integrated effectiveness of rice husk biochar, Cassia fistula extract, and Trichoderma harzianum against Sclerotium rolfsii in chickpea cultivation. The study evaluated biochar properties, treatment impacts on T. harzianum spore counts, plant growth parameters, soil health, and disease suppression.

Results

The 3% rice husk biochar with 450 ppm cassia extract significantly enhanced T. harzianum growth, achieving a spore count of 34 × 10⁵ CFU/mL. Disease incidence was reduced from 64% to 35%, with increased shoot length of 45.7 cm, root mass of 4.73 g/plant, and phenolic content of 0.49 µg GAE g⁻¹. The biochar possessed 52.3% carbon, pH 8.2, and 159 m²/g surface area.

Conclusion

The biochar-cassia-T. harzianum combination offers a sustainable, eco-friendly strategy for managing soil-borne pathogens and improving crop productivity by enhancing plant defense through phenolic content and promoting beneficial microbial activity. This integrated approach reduces chemical fungicide dependence while improving chickpea yield and soil health.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Field Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40640720, PMC12243410
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