Ecofriendly management of stem rot of berseem caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum

Stem rot, incited by Sclerotinia trifoliorum Eriksson is one of the most devastating soil borne fungal pathogens of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) inflicting significant fodder and seed yield losses. Eleven plant extracts, six organic inputs, one elicitor and five organic and inorganic salts were assayed for their effectiveness against S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions. Extracts of Aegle marmelos and Cymbopogan citrates showed complete mycelial inhibition of S. trifoliorum at 5% concentration. Among organic inputs, panchgavya and fermented cow urine recorded 100% inhibition to mycelial growth of stem rot pathogen at 10% concentration. Elicitor (chitosan) and salts namely copper sulphate and potassium carbonate provided complete mycelial inhibition of test pathogen under in vitro conditions at 0.1, 2.0 and 5.0% concentrations, respectively. The plant extracts, organic inputs and salts that exhibited highest mycelial inhibition to S. trifoliorum under in vitro conditions were evaluated for their antifungal efficacy under greenhouse and field experiments during rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19. The extracts of chitosan (78.58; 77.15%), panchgavya (75.99; 67.14%), copper sulphate 71.38; 61.18%) and A. marmelos (71.75; 56.24%) have recorded highest percent disease control as compared to untreated control in greenhouse and field trials in rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19, respectively. Significant increase in green fodder yield of berseem from 9.87 to 33.38% was also recorded after treatment with plant extracts, organic inputs and some salts. The current study showed that plant extracts, organic inputs and salts have potential for the management of stem rot of berseem.