Vol. 9, Special Issue 12, Part N (2025)

Chilli wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum F. sp. capsici, is a major disease that significantly reduces chilli yield and quality. The present study evaluated the in vitro antagonistic activity of selected fungal and bacterial bioagents against this pathogen. Seven bioagents, including Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. virens, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, were tested using dual culture and streak plate techniques on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications at the Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati, during the academic year 2023-24.

Results revealed significant variation in antagonistic potential among the bioagents. Trichoderma harzianum exhibited the highest mycelial growth inhibition (74.17%) with the lowest colony diameter (23.25 mm), followed by T. viride (69.30%), T. hamatum (65.13%), and T. virens (62.63%). The bacterial bioagents, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, showed lower efficacy, inhibiting pathogen growth by 40.55% and 36.52%, respectively.

The findings indicate that T. harzianum is the most effective bioagent for controlling chilli wilt under laboratory conditions. The study highlights the potential application of selected bioagents as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides for managing F. oxysporum F. sp. capsici in chilli.