Elucidating the effect of biocontrol agents on seed mycoflora and plant growth characteristics of soybean

The effect of different biocontrol agents viz. Trichoderma viride (TV-1), T. harzianum (TH-4), T. koningii (JMA- 11), T. harzianum (TH- 11), T. koningii (DMA- 8), Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus sp. Were assessed on seed mycoflora and plant growth characteristics of soybean var. Shivalik under in vitro conditions. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum truncatum were recorded more predominant genera in soybean seed. Among different bio control agents T. harzianum (TH-11) was found most effective against mycelial growth of A. niger, C. truncatum & A. alternata and exhibited 46.16, 72.90 and 72.13 per cent mycelial inhibition, respectively. The seed treatment with T. harzianum (TH-11) also enhanced seed germination (85.00%), root length (10.45 cm), shoot length(3.07 cm) and seedling vigour index (1149). The outcomes of this study provide valuable insight for continued research on biological control of seed borne diseases.. KEYWORDS :Mycoflora, biocontrol agents, seed germination, seedling vigour index, paper towel method