Integrated Management for Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp. Capsici of Capsicum using Biological Control and Fungicide

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici is a major constraint of Capsicum species. This study aims to develop an integrated management approach for Fusarium wilt in Capsicum. The study was conducted in two consecutive Winter Pepper growing seasons. A randomized complete block design with three replicates resulted in eight treatments. The soil near the stem region of the pepper was drenched with a mixture of 10 g of Trichoderma harzianum powder in a liter of water, and 500 ml was applied to each plant immediately after transplanting. Pepper seedling roots were dipped in a Metalaxyl-M mixture of Metalaxyl-M and Mancozeb for 30 minutes during transplanting. Wilt incidence was recorded at 10-day intervals using a scale and converted to the percent disease index. All data were analyzed using SAS software. The combined effect of fungicide and bioagent significantly reduced wilt disease by 93% for the Bako local and 91.2% for Melka Zala in the first season, 75.3% for the Bako local cultivar, and 79.9% for the Melka Zala variety in the second season. As a result, marketable yield per hectare increased by 187.6% in the first and 406.9% in the second season. This study demonstrates that integrating T. harzianum, fungicide, and Capsicum cultivars can effectively manage the disease. This suggests the potential for large-scale formulation and commercialization of this bioagent. However, additional studies should be conducted across locations to validate the current findings. The combined effects of Trichoderma, effective bacterial bioagents, and compatible fungicides against Fusarium wilt under field conditions are also appreciated.