Harnessing endophytic Trichoderma for the suppression of dry root rot disease in mungbean

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is a protein-rich legume crop of significant nutritional and economic importance. However, its productivity is severely hampered by dry root rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, a seed and soil borne pathogen prevalent under hot and dry conditions. To explore eco-friendly disease management alternatives, a pot experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2024 to assess the bioefficacy of different endophytic Trichoderma spp. applied through seed biopriming, soil application and foliar spray. Among the treatments, Trichoderma asperellum isolate Tr1 demonstrated the highest effectiveness by significantly improving seed germination, root and shoot growth, seedling vigour and dry weight while recording the lowest disease incidence and highest disease reduction over control. Its performance was statistically at par with T. asperellum Tr2 and the fungicide check (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP). The study highlights T. asperellum Tr1 as a promising biocontrol agent for sustainable dry root rot management in mungbean cultivation.