In vitro Evaluation of Bio Control Agents and Botanicals against Mulberry Root Rot Pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae

Mulberry root rot is fast spreading disease caused by L. theobromae. The pathogen can be managed by synthetic fungicides. However, enormous use of synthetic fungicides leads to residual toxicity which affects the growth and development of silkworm. In this context, an attempt was made to use potential bio control agents for the management of this pathogen. Seven fungal and five bacterial bio agents evaluated out of them T. viride (Tv – B2), T. harzianum (Th - 44), B. subtilis (Bs - M) and (Bs - O) proved as best for inhibition of mycelial growth of the pathogen. Out of eleven botanical extracts used, garlic proved best at 15 per cent and 20 per cent and agave at 20 per cent concentration against root rot causing pathogen L. theobromae.