Studies on the Effect of Bio-Pesticides on Muskmelon Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis)

Five bio-pesticides viz., Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Penicillium, VAM and Biodynamic culture were tried to find out their lethal effects on muskmelon wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis when applied through soil. Trichoderma and Biodynamic culture at 5% concentration (w/w) were effective as these significantly reduced the wilt incidence with improved clinical aspects. Least plumule decay was observed with Trichoderma treatment. Similarly, seedling and plant mortality, flower and fruit set and fruit yield parameters were significantly better with Trichoderma treatment. Other better results were observed in Biodynamic culture, VAM, Penicillium and Aspergillus, respectively. All the treatments were found significantly superior over control. Precisely, muskmelon wilt can be effectively controlled through soil application of Trichoderma fungus @ 5% concentration