Thesis Abstract

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY

DR.P.D.K.V.AKOLA

Ph.D. THESIS ABSTRACTS

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY, DR.P.D.K.V.AKOLA

ABSTRACTS OF Ph.D THESIS

Title of the thesis: Seed borne fungi of sorghum and their control. (1989)

Full name of student: Rajendra Nilkanth Deshmukh Advisor: Dr.J.G.Raut Seed samples of sorghum cultivars CSH -9 of Kharif 1986,87 and 88 produce were tested for fungi and results showed that fungi and their counts varied with the year of crop production. Among the eleven fungi detected C.lunata and F.moniliforme were most predominant. Frequent rains and high relative humidity between the seed setting and seed maturity were found to be favour to establishment of fungi more. Pretreatment of seed eliminated the saprophytic fungi but also reduced the count of C.lunata, F.moniliforme E.halodes, Phoma sorghina and Fusarium semitectum. Glumes and seeds both harboured various seed borne fungi and all the three stages of seed development i.e. milk , dough and physiological maturity. Among the seven fungi C.lunata and F. moniliforme were found to colonized ovary and glume or considerabl spikelets even prior to seed development. Histopathological study C.lunata infected seed showed precise distribution of the fungus in pericarp, seed coat aleorone layer endosperm and embryo. Protein , fats carbohydrates and ash contents decrease with increase discolouration of the seed. Culture filtrate of C.lunata , F.moniliforme and E.halodes were found toxic to seed and reduction in germination.one, two and three sprays of Thiram, Carbendazim, captan and dithan M 45 were not effective in minimizing seed borne fungi to desired level and in improving the seed germination to an economical level. Seed treated with Thiram, rovral,captan, rovral + Thiram, Thiram + Carbendazim, dithan M45 + Carbendazim, dithan Z78 + Carbendazim and rovral + Carbendazim @ 0.3% were most effective which eliminated the seed borne fungi to greatest extent and improve the germination by 29% over control. In treated seed germination was best upto seven months from treatment but there after showed decline in storage.

Title of the thesis: Investigation on Ramularia areola causing dahiya

or gray mildew of cotton in relation to physiological races , crop losses and control. (1989)

Full name of student: Sitaram Kashiram Shivankar Advisor: Prof.P.D.Wangikar In the present investigation it was observed that R.areola cause severe infection on both surface of leaves of cotton and affected the buds and bolls. The infected leaves defoliated within 15 days after severe infection. The fungus grew well on modified Kirchhoff’s medium at 270C temperature and

80-100% humidity and pH ranging from 6.5 – 9.4. In nutritional studies sucrose as carbon, asparagin as nitrogen, potassium dihydrogen phosphate as phosphorous and potassium magnesium sluphate as magnesium source were found to be favourable for optimum growth and sporulation of fungus. It was further observed that heavy rainfall in the month of July and August, temperature ranging form 30 to 190C and humidity from 45 to 85% favours the disease incidence and further spread. Libration of spores was more at day time along with direction of wind current, the conidial viability was 20 days under natural field condition and up to 90 days freezing temperature. In the crop loss studies it was observed that there was heavy defoliation, reduction in the number of bolls and size of bolls due to severity of disease. Significant losses in yield of seed cotton and qualitative characters of seed cotton were recorded. In control measure studies, it was observed that all the fungicides were effective in controlling the disease, sulphur fungicide gave highest cost benefit ratio . Title of the thesis: Seed borne fungi of Pearl millet, their transmission

and control. (1990) Full name of student: Rajesh Walmikrao Ingle Advisor: Dr. J.G. Raut Seed samples of pearl millet genotypes WCC-75, H-90-4/s, MBH-110, MBH-157, MH-179, CMV-87901 and ICTP 8203 were collected from Akola, Amravati and Buldhana districts of Vidarbha from October harvested Kharif crop' of 1988 and 1989.Eight fungi viz. Alternaria tenuis, Crvularia lunata, Drechslera sacchari, D.tetramera. Exserohilum halodes, Fusarium moniliforme, F.semitectum and Phoma sp. showed association with seeds. Fungi and their counts varied with the genotype, location and year of production. Among fungi, .C.lunata was most predominant and showed association with 56.86% seeds (mean of samples of 7 8enotypes tested for two years) and was followed by D.halodes (11.89%) F.moniliforme(8.39%) and Phoma sp. (5.07). Samples of 1988 were more disco1coured because of more rains and rainy days during seed development stages and hence showed heavy association of fungi and poor germination. Comparatively seeds of different genotypes grown at Amravati carried fungi in low percent ages. Under natural field conditions, none of the genotype showed resistant reaction to grain moulds. Same genotype during same year but at different location reacted differently to infection of fungi. Pretreatment of seed with 0.1% HgC12 solution reduced infection counts important fungi like D.lunata, D.halodesa and F.moniliforme by almost 63%,79% and 70% respectively and improved germination by 11%. Antherlobes and corresponding seeds were tested at milk and dough stages of seed development. It was evident that antherlobes in considerable percentage carried fungi like C.lunata, A.tenuius, F.moniliforme, D.sacchari and E.halodes. Antherlobe corresponding seed however showed an50ciation or Fungi in high percentage. Removal of antherlobes qt milk stage decreased the percentage of infected seed by 7.5%.To know role of glume seeds and corresponding glumes were examined for fungal association at grain filling, milk, dough

and physiological maturity stages of seed development. With glumes, among the seven fungi, C.lunata was most predominant followed by F.moniliforme at all stages of seed development.

At anthesis, spikelets and their parts when examined showed association of 6 fungi with one or other C.lunata, D.sacchari, E.halodes and F.moniliforme parts except anther. Among spikelet parts stigma carried more fungi followed by blister, rachilla and glume but ovary showed least fungi. Microtome section of infected seed showed invesion C.lunata. D.sacchari and E.halodes in all the parts of seed i.e. peri carp , seed coat, alerurone layer, endosperm, scutellum and embryo in the form of septate, brown inter- or intra-cellular mycelium. Infected sprouted seeds when grown in pot soil caused seed to plant transmission of diseases. C.lunata, D.sacchari and E.halodes produced brown spots on the coleoptile, coleoptile sheath and first true leaves whereas F.moniliforme caused purple discoloration of coleoptiles sheath and stem below it. Under field conditions, in general, spray of fungicide(s) at seed development stages failed to check the establishment of grain moulds and improve the seed germination to a desired level. Among various fungicides, sprays of thiram + bavistin @ O. 25 followed by that of bavistin reduced the total seed-borne fungi to some extent.

Treating seeds with thiram, captan. bavistin, rovral, rovral + bavistin (1:1 proportion),rovral + thiram (1: 1) and di thane M-45 + bavistin. (1: 1) all @ O.3%by seed weight, and testing immediately after treatment (in December) and thereafter every three months up to next December showed that after 6 months effective treatment like rovral + thiram and rovral + bavistin had minimised total seed-borne fungi by 93% and 91% and improved germination by 40% and 39% respectively over 6 months old untreated seeds. But 12 months after storage rovral + thiram and rovral + bavistin though reduced seed-borne fungi by 98% and 96%, increase in germination was only by 25% and 29% respectively. Title of the thesis: Use of Cellulolytic fungi in degradation of

agricultural wastes (1990) Full name of student: Subhash Ramkrishnrao Potdukhe Advisor: Dr.R.B.Somani

Fifty six isolates representing 39 species of twenty genera were obtained from various sources. These isolates were grown on filter paper strips and on plain agar media. The fungi utilized and sporgulated well on filter paper were considered to be utilizing filter paper as sole carbon source. These fungi were further screened for cellulolsic producing ability and twenty promising cultures were selected for lignolytic activity . All the isolates utilized for degradation of agricultural wastes and was studies in laboratory by measuring quantum of CO2 evolved, loss in weight and reduction in C:N ratio. Maximum amount of CO2 evolved in first week. Ground nut shell degrade fast followed by cotton stalk and sorghum stubbles. Trichoderma viride, Chitomium globosum, Penicillium funiculosum and Aspergillum terreus were observed to be promising. The inoculum potential of four promising

isolates in quick degradation of agricultural waste used for growth and yield of wheat. The total uptake of nutrients and microbial population in the soil increase considerably resulting in increase in residual nitrogen and organic carbon, variation in pH was negligible. The present study indicated that these lignocellulolytic fungi can be used for decomposition of agricultural wastes under aerobic condition and non pathogenic to the important crop grown in this area. The incorporation of wheat straw along with fungal starter , hence in removal or organic debries from the environment and improve soil fertility there by increasing yield of wheat.

Title of the thesis: Studies on betelvine disease in Vidarbha (1991) Full name of student: Shukadeo Vithobaji Waghe Advisor: Dr.B.B.Bhombe

Betelvine is highly labour intensive cash crop grown commercially for the leaves. Its leaves used mainly for chewing purpose. This crop suffers for number of diseases i.e basal rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii root and stem rot caused by R.bataticola, root rot caused by F.moniliforme, are the limiting factors in reducing the yield and quality of crop. Drenching of soil with copper oxychloride 0.5% + diazinon 0.05% or Bordeaux mixture 1% + diazinon 0.05% at monthly interval since July to January was effective in controlling the betelvine soil borne diseases. Earhing up of sandy loam soil once or twice in a year with drenching of Bordeaux mixture 1% + 0.05 diazinon well before the onset of mansoon appreciably reduces the incidence of wilt complex. The supporting of betelvine with nylon string is responsible for reducing the wilt complex. Free aeration improve the micro environment by increasing the C:N ration and phosynthetic activities which ultimately leads to the improvement in quality and quantity of betelvine leaves.

Title of the thesis: Investigation of major foliar diseases of sunflower in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra (1991)

Full name of student: Sheshrao Srawanji Wadibhasms Advisor: Dr.B.B.Bhombe

Alternaria blight and rust are the severe diseases of sunflower specially involved, temperate and semi arid tropic during the year of high rainfall. Alternaria blight first appeared on cotyledonary leaves and subsequently spread older leaves and all other aerial parts of the plant including seeds. Occurrence of rust is evident first on lower leaves as small pin head circular rust pustules, scattered over entire surface of leaf lamina on the dorsal sides, petioles, stem and floral parts. Artificial inoculation revealed that the crop is susceptible to Alternaria to all stages of crop growth. Minimum four days incubation period is required for positive infection. The disease development was favoured by temperature ranged 25 -300C and 100% RH. Host range studies revealed that Alternaria helianthi besides sunflower cloud infect eleven other hosts. The pathogens is seed borne and survive in plant debris for above four months in lab conditions and up to three months in open filed and serves as primary source of infection. The fungus was effectively controlled by all the nine fungicides tested in vitro. But dithane M-45 @ 0.25% and vitavax @ 0.1% proved highly effective in filed condition in checking the infection and also in giving higher grain yield. Brassicol and Thiram @ 3 g/kg proved to be best for controlling seed borne infection. Under artificial condition the rust was found to be caused losses 13- 25% in grain yield, 8.6 – 15.3% in seed weight and 1.6 – 4% in oil content of seed in different variety. There were no correlation in severity of rust and losses caused.

Title of the thesis: Studies on Biochemical status of resistant and

susceptible Sorghum bicolor cultivars against grain mold (1992)

Full name of student: Radheshyam Bhagwandas Somani Advisor: Prof.P.D.Wangikar Grain mold of sorghum is a number one problem of sorghum in Vidarbha, of this 23 fungi belonging to 14 genera, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium moniliforme are predominant. Fusarial infection takes place mostly at flowering stage and curvularia infection takes at any time , mostly form dough stage onwards. RH 75% or more and maximum temperature in between 28 -350C favours disease development, however rain is the only important factor for disease development. Pretreatment eliminates saprophytic fungi which are restricted to pericarp. Fusarium mostly entre through hylar and curvularia form styler end and pericarp. Fusarium moniliforme produces more toxic metabolites which reduced germination and seedling vigour. C.lunata is fast grain deteriorating fungus since possess more Cellulolytic , amylolytic, and pectinolytic activity. Forty six genotypes screened for four season out of which eight were promising form clean grain type sorghums. Surface wax, floaters density and porosity differences do not separate resistant and susceptible types. Hardness , water imbibitions , corneousess of endospore, non pigmented and aleurone layer , less electrical conductivity in seed litches among the physical characteristics contribute towards resistance. Leteuforal , tannin but higher free phenolic compound were noticed in resistant white grain sorghum.

Amino acids spectra did not very much however leucine / isoseucine ratio was high in resistant genotypes. Grain mold results more reduction in starch and crud fat contains , less reduction in protein and increase in crud fiber content. Carbendazim along with captan or Thiram and pre harvest sprays reduce seed mycoflora and improved germination. Title of the thesis: Studies on fruit rot and dieback of chilli caused by

Colletotrichum capsici. (1992) Full name of student: Krishnrao Narayanrao Sapkal

Advisor: Dr. S.O.Kolte

Chi1li or red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important cash crop among the spices and grown extensively in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State. The cultivation Especially areas Around Achalpur,Umred. Bhiwapur and Malkapur have imbibed the art of chilli growing. Dried Chilli forms an essential commodity in the day to day preparation of spicy and tasty food. Green chilli is also consumed as vegetable in daily diet. In Maharashtra, Vidarbha region Occupies nearly 50 per cent chilli growing area but production was only 42.83 per cent during 1988-89.Chilli crop suffers from many diseases, among them , die back and fruit rot incited By Colletotrichum capsici ( Syd. ) Butler and Bisby are most and cause considerable reduction In marketable fruit yield and By Colletotrichum capsici ( Syd. ) Butler and Bisby are most and cause considerable reduction In marketable fruit yield and quality. Survey of Vidarbha region revealed that the intensity of die back and fruit rot diseases varied from 13.8 to 36.2 and 9.4 to 21.5 per cent. Respectively in the farmer's fields irrespective of chemical disease management. The disease is characterized by diverse symptoms. The twig dieing or wither tip and fruit rot were noticed prominently in the field. The crop is attacked by this disease at all the stages of crop growth and it continued upto maturity. Differences in growth rate was observed in the isolates collected from different agroecological zones of Vidarbha region. It was maximum in isolate IX from Bhiwapur and least in isolate VII from Yavatmal. Isolates VIII, IX and X from high rainfall zone were more virulent than isolates from assured and moderate rainfall zones in pathogenicity and contained high nitrogen.in the mycelium. which increased the infectivity. Study of two isolates viz. AKL(Akola) from assured rainfall zone and BWR (Bhiwapur) from high rainfall zone.Indicated that BWR isolate recorded high rate of growth on all the solid media tried than isolate AKL. Both the isolate grew optimum on Richard's agar, Host extract agar and PDA. Differences in sporulation qid not occur in case of both the isolates. Both the isolates grew better on a wide range of temperature 20-350C, RH 70-100% and pH 3-9 but optimum 28-300C and 90 per cent RH and pH 6-7. The maximum mycelium yield and abundant sporulation was recorded in sucrose and glucose by isolates BWR and AKL respectively. For other carbon sources both isolates have shown similar preference but the growth differences existed between them. Both the isolates preferred asparagine. Peptone and potassium nitrate as anitrogen source for growth and sporulation. II . From study Be that II I II I II the pathogen. Capsici

probably exists in the racial form as the it concluded the can isolates differed morphologically. culturally physiologically. The pathogen can survive in seed and plant for more than 8 to 17 months which becomes a primary of infection for next season. The treatment or Bavistin with Thiram seed 0.3 per cent by seed weight can eliminate seed the infection to a great extent and increases seed germination and seedling survival. Cuman L, Bavistin and Dithane M-45 were and debris source I I @borne found 2-78 effective in completely inhibiting the growth and sporulation least of the isolates in vitro but Dithane was both effective. Under field test carried over for two years, significantly the Dithane proved 2-78 fungicides except superior over control in reducing infection intensity of back and fruit rot in chilli with significant higher yields. Cuman L was most effective and gave highest benefit ratio 1:19.49 followed by Bavistin 1:7.70 and Dithane M-45 1:6.85 as assessed on two years performance, hence can be recommended for adoption. Host resistance is available which can utilized for breeding programme. Title of the thesis: Studies on fruit rotting fungi of chilli (1992) Full name of student: Shrikant Wamarao Khodke

Advisor: Dr. K.B.Gahukar

Collected infected from chilli fruits of different varieties showed Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium oxysporum, C.dematium, Dreschlera tetramera, different locations C.qleosporioides, Curvularia lunata Exserohilum rostratum, Fusarium moni1iforme association of F.semitectum, Phoma sp. and Rhizoctonia bataticola with various parts. among fungi, C.dematium was most predominant followed by A.alternata and R. bataticola, C. dematium infect stem and fruits but failed to infect leave whereas A. alternata and R. bataticola infect only fruits. All three fungi produced typical lesions on semiripe and ripe fruits but the lesions are not conspecuous on green fruits. As regards combinations, A.alternata + C. dematium caused more damage to the fruits. The fruits infected with a. alternata showed oily depressed black, circular to irregular spots of varying sizes. C. dematium infected fruits showed small, black circular spots with black pin point acervuli allover the infected parts in concentric rings. R. bataticola infected fruits showed black minute sclerotia scattered allover the infected parts of fruits. All the three fruit rotting fungi were found to survive in all the parts of chilli fruits upto 12 months and caused seed to plant transmission. C. dematium produced brown discolouration on epicotyl but A. alternata and R. bataticola failed to show any visible symptoms on infected parts of plant. The nitrogen content in C.dematium and R. bataticola culture was found to reflect on the degree of virulence but A.alternata did not show any relationship with nitrogen content and the virulence. A.alternata, C.dematium and R. bataticola increased crude protein content of chilli fruits. In case of am i no ac i d, lysine, threonine, glutamic acid, prolin, cystin, valin, methionine, tyrosine and phenylalanine were reduced and arginine, glycine and ammonia were increased in in-fected fruits. Alanine, leucine and isoleucine were increased due to infection of A. alternata and R. bataticola while reduced by C.dematium infection. Fruits infected with R.bataticola showed increase in aspartic acid content but reduction was found in A. alternata and

C.dematium infected fruits. Histidine content was reduced in A. alternata and R.bataticola but increased in C.dematium infected fruits. All the three fungi showed a drastic reduction in ascorbic acid and sugar (total, reducing and non reducing) content of chilli fruits. Amount of phosphorus was increased in fruits infected with A. alternata and C.dematium whereas it was reduced in R. bataticola infected fruits. Amount of potash was reduced by all the three fungi. The fruits infected with A. alternata and R. bataticola showed increase in iron content but it did not increase in C. dematium infected leaves. Zinc and manganese content were increased due to a. alternata but reduced in C. dematium and R.bataticola 10 infected fruits. amount of copper was increased by C.dematium and R.bataticola infection but not by A. alternata Capsaicin content of the fruits infected with all the three fungi was reduced to almost half. Fungicides which were effective in laboratory were tested under field conditions against all the three fungi. Carbendazim, thiophanate methyl and mancozeb were found superior in the control of fruit rot caused by A. alternata. C.dematium and R. bataticola, respectively, and in increasing the yield. Considering the disease control, yield and economic returns, carbendazim <0.1%) ranked first and mancozeb <0.2%) second. Out of 7 seed dressing fungicides tested thiram @0.3% by seed weight gave better elimination of A. alternata and C.dematium and improved seed germination. But captan proved more effective against ft. bataticola. Under natural field conditions, the variety IHR-1 showed resistant reaction against the pathogens whereas in artificial inoculation, Jawahar and Chibhali No.4 showed resistant reaction against A. alternata. Khurasni against C.dematium and X-206, 8 helgano, LCA-235, X-197, X-235, Bharni, Pant C-l, Khurasni, 74-4, 8-green, Guntur and BLC 86-2 against R. bataticola.

Title of the thesis: Scheduling of time interval for control and estimation of losses cuased by citrus canker of acid lime. (1992)

Full name of student: Kishore Bhagwan Kale Advisor: Dr. N.L.Peshney

Kagzilime [Citrus aurantifolia Swingle] in Vidarbha suffers heavily from canker caused Xanthomonas campestris pv.citri (Hasse) Dowson. Infection mostly observed as endemic throughout the year many a time assuming epiphytotic situations. Hence, study standardizes the optimum time interval for application effective chemicals for control and their effect on quantity and quality of fruit yield was undertaken. Evaluation of certain Chemicals was through field feeler experiment at by The and to of done Horticulture Department Orchard P.K. V.., Akola from which Streptocycline 100 ppm+ copper oxychloride 0.1% were selected and used for regulating the disease in field experiments during different kagzilime flushes for two years. The per cent leaf infection was more during monsoon flush (Mrig bahar) followed by summer flush (Ambia bahar) and winter flush (Hasta bahar). Spraying at

7days interval was better, having lowest leaf infection (16.07%) as compared to 15 days and 21 days interval during all the three flushes in both the years. The infection control was more In 7 days interval (43.11%) than 15 days and 21 days interval. The per cent disease intensity on leaves was maximum on monsoon flush (Mrig bahar) followed by summer flush (Ambia bahar) and winter flush (Hasta bahar) . The spraying at 7 days interval was best giving lowest disease index (8.69%) in winter flush (Hasta bahar) amongst all treatments showing disease control by 35.58 %. The fruit yield differences due to different treatments were non-significant in all the three flushes in both the years. The highest fruit yield was obtained from summer tlusn (Ambia bahar) followed by monsoon flush (Mrig bahar) and winter flush (Hasta bahar). However. the spraying at 7days interval was found best resulting highest yield/ha 20.300 kg fruits/tree in summer flush (Ambia bahar) followed by 15 days and 21 days interval. So also per cent yield increase was maximum with this treatment. Fruit infection studies revealed that maximum infection was in mons90n flush (mrig bahar) followed by winter flush (Hasta bahar) and summer flush (Ambia bahar) , in both the years. All treatments were superior to . control in reducing the fruit infection in three flushes in both the years. The praying at 7 days interval Has given lowest fruit infection (24.73%) with maximum infection control (45.90%) . The per cent loss of fruit yield in different flushes with An unit increase in per cent leaf infection/intensity and fruit infection was maximum in summer flush (Ambia bahar) . The loss due to one per cent Leaf infection was 1.47%, due to one per cent disease intensity on leaves loss was 3.37% and due to fruit infection it was 1.87% during summer flush (Ambia bahar). In winter and monsoon flushes (Hasta and Mrig bahar) losses were comparatively less. Infection penetration studies of kagzi 1ime canker pathogen in different parts of infected fruits, indicated that pathogen could penetrate rind and rarely upto albedo only. No infection was observed in sacs. Physico-chemical character studies of canker infected kagzi 1ime. fruit indicated non-significant differences between healthy, moderately and severely diseased fruits of summer and monsoon flushe Ambia andMrig bahar). This illustrated that the canker infection on fruit did not affect the quality of kagzilime fruit juice. Results Qf cross infecti_ity of kagzilime and kinnow mandarin canker revealed that inoculum from both the hosts was one and the same strain of the bacterium and there exist no strain variation. Thus from results of present studies. it is concluded that (1) Application of Streptocycline 100 ppm +copper oxychloride 0.1% is better

for control of kagzilime canker in Vidarbha conditions. (2 ) Application of these chemicals at an interval of 7 days or 15 days is

more useful compared to 21 days or more. (3) Application at 7days interval should be preferred over 15 days interval ,

Even though the cost benefit ratio with 7 days spray interval is marginally less compared to 15 days spray interval to reduce the disease pressure particularly during monsoon season.

(4 ) Kagzilime canker pathogen does not penetrate beyond albedo and as such

(5) Kagzilime canker does not affect the "juice quality of the infected fruit. (6)Citrus canker pathogen in Vidarbha does not have strain variation.

Title of the thesis: Epidemiological studies and influence of integrated disease management factors on Alternaria blight of sunflower (1995)

Full name of student: Pankaj Babarao Wankhade Advisor: Dr. C.D.Mayee

Alternaria blight of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) caused by

A.helianthi is a potentially destructive disease in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The pointed survey in four districts of Western Vidarbha which account for 98 % of the total sunflower area of Vidarbha, confirmed that blight is the most prevalent diseases. The disease severity and incidence were very high during rainy season followed by post-rainy season and summer season. The disease levels were governed by weather, rather than crop coverage of the area. The inoculum of A.helianthi from in vitro cultures or from field collected samples when brought into contact with susceptible host produced typical pinhead spots leading subsequently to blight symptoms on all aerial parts. The conidia of the fungus germinated efficiently between 10 to 40oC with optimum temperatures of 2SoC.In field highest germination occurred in July-August months. Incubation period of blight, an important component of epidemic, was greatly influenced by prevailing temp. raptures when inoculations were performed 91 times at different periods of the year. With increase or decrease in temperatures from 24 to 26oC, incubation period prolonged from 8 to 17 days. The prediction of incubation period by prevailing temperatures was thus possible and a prediction equation using multiple regression analysis was derived based on 91 observations. Similarly, the primary infection cycle upto 28 days after incubation (log phase) was also analyzed which revealed high infection rates and fast multiplication during July to October months. Prediction of primary infection level was also possible. Using the monthly sown nurseries for 12-months of the year, the blight incidence, severity and intensity for each plots under natural and artificially inoculated situations was obtained. An epidemic analysis using periodical infection rates, average infection rates (r values)are under disease progress curve (A-values)and comparative curve analysis (plotted curves) were made for the progress data. In the comparative epidemiology, blight epidemics of high, modest and low were determined. Blight growth was much faster on crops sown in July and August months. It was modest during September to December and June sown crops. Blight epidemic growth was negligible on crops sown in December to May months. The holistic approach using A-values of epidemic could be accounted by average weather conditions. Host age highly influenced growth during August to February months, seedling being least and flowering plants

exhibiting high intensity. How ever, plants of all age available during February to July did not influence blight intensity indicating clearly that the weather conditions determined the epidemic growth rather than the host age. Epidemic of blight was interrupted when the integrated management factors (IDM)viz., phosphorus application, seed treatment with thiram and two sprays of mancozeb were incorporated into cultivation. The IDM factors had profound effect during rainy season than Post rainy season. They individually slowed the epidemic as evidenced by r and A-values of epidemic. Simultaneously, the yield of sunflower increased by 100 to 125 kg/ha by various IDM treatments. The results of present investigation brought out the fact that in viddarbha, Alternaria blight epidemics are nearly ensured on July August sown crop and management becomes necessary. On June, September and October sown sunflower, Alternaria blight multiplied' fairly modestly and responded to management practices. The epidemic growth of blight was not at damaging level in crop sown from January to May months.

Title of the thesis: Studies on Foot Rot Disease of Vitever Grass caused

by Sclerotium rolfsii (1995) Full name of student: Madhukar Rajaramji Patil Advisor: Dr. K.B. Gahukar The vetiver [Vetiverla zizanloldes (L) Nash], a perennial grass has lately Assumed great importance being largely grown on contour bunds for Soil and moisture conservation. Vetiver contour lines in field under Watershed Management Programme were showing gaps due to wilting of plants in lines. The wilted plants on close examination showed association of Sclerotium rolfsil Sacco Considering the importance of vetiver contour lines in watershed management it was decided to investigate the problem in details. Survey in Akola district revealed the association of fungus varied from 0 to 100 per cent. The disease is characterized by yellowing of leaves followed by drooping and ultimately drying, resulting into gaps in contour bunds. On artificial inoculation the fungus induced ,similar Type symptoms. The fungus grew well and produced abundant sclerotia on potato dextrose, Richard's, host tract and Czapek's medium in agar as well as in liquid form. The optimum range of temperature was 25 to 30 °c for growth and sclerotial production, with relative humidity of 60 to 100 percent. Continuous light favored maximum Sclerotial production. The optimum pH for Growth and Sclerotial production appeared to be 5.3 and 5.5 with range of 2.6 to 8.5 pH. The fungus preferred starch as carbon source followed by sucrose, dextrose and glucose and peptone, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate as nitrogen source for profuse growth and Sclerotial production. The sclerotia of S. rollsii remained viable in field and laboratory conditions in soil for more than 9months. The viability of Sclerotia was reduced Either by soil solarization or by soil drenching with formaldehyde or carboxin or soil application of

Trichoderma harzianum. The culture filtrate of the fungus was found injurious to the foliage. The fungus was polyphagous and infected large number of plants in different unrelated families. Cereals were less susceptible compared with legumes and other field crops. Formaldehyde, thiram, carboxin and penconazol were most effective in Inhibiting the complete growth of pathogen in - vitro. For minimum Disease incidence growth and tillering 10 cm. plant to plant distance was Ideal in infested light and heavy soil. Planting of vetiver in infested soil is not advisable unless it is freed from the pathogen. Prunning And burning operations 45 days after planting reduction of disease growth and tillering. After planting resulted in and improvement in plant For getting abundant green produce, inducing tillering and reducing foot rot incidence in vetiver_ soil solarization and dipping of planting slips in 0.2 per cent Carboxin solution or After planting resulted in and improvement in plant For getting abundant green produce, inducing tillering and reducing foot rot incidence in vetiver_ soil solarization and dipping of planting slips in 0.2 per cent Carboxin solution or planting slips in 0.2 per cent carboxin solution or planting slips in 0.2 per cent carboxin solution or T. harzianum suspension or soil solarization alone were proved effective and can be recommended.

Title of Thesis : Fungus diseases of banana fruits and their management for promotion of export.

Full name of student : YUSUF KHAN DILNASHINUR REHMAN KHAN Name advisor : Dr.J.G.Raut Peel tissues of mature green unspotted and yellow ripe spotted fruits of banana (Musa paaradisiaca ), variety 'Basrai' were isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), banan1green and yellow peel extract agar. Four fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium moniliforme and Penicillium sp. were isolated from green peel tissues whereas from spotted peel of yellow ripe fruits 11 fungi viz., Alternaria tenuissima, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Cylindrocarpon radicicola, Drech.'ilera tetramera, Fusarium camptoceras, F. monili{otTrie, F. oxysporum, Penicillum sp., Thielaviopsis paradoxa and Verticillium alboa/rum were obtained. PDA appeared better substrate for isolation of fungi. All there fungi proved pathogenic when inoculated on peel tissues of green mature fruits. In the present study, for artificial ripening of green mature fruits, calcium carbide which releases acetylene gas and ethepon, commercially available as ethrel were used, Acetylene treated fruits ripened within 2 days compared to 9days required for self ripening. Fruits dipped in hot water at 50 and 60°C for 10min and then treated with acetylene showed spotting on peel (within 5 days) and early day of fruits (within 9 days) compared to hot water treatment of 32°C and 48oC Fruit bunches were dipped separately, in pH solutions 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0 and 10.0 and then one lot of each pH treatment was treated with acetylene and the other was allowed to ripe as such. Acetylene treatment

irrespective of pH (1 to 10) ripened the fruit within 2 days copare to 7-11 days required for non acetylene treated fruits. pH failed to show any effect on ripening, spotting and decay of fruits. Acetylene treated and untreated fruits of banana varieties Basrai' 'Shrimanti' and 'Lokhandi' were further treated with solution/suspension of 2,4-D, NAA, citric acid, Bavistin, sulphur, Dithane M-45, salicylic acid, malic acid and Thiram. Acetylene treated 'Basrai' variety, fruits ripened faster than Shrimanti' and Lokhandi' Dipping of acetylene treated fruits in 200ppm 2,4-D and NAA solutions did not shtw spots on peel of any of the 3 varieties. NAA prolonged decay of fruits from 2 to 9 days depending upon variety. Acetylene treated and untreated fruits of 'Basrai' variety were treated with additional chemicals/fungicides. was evident from the results that acetylene treated fruits dipped for 30min in 2.4-D (200ppm), 2,4-D(200ppm)+sulphur (lOOOppm), 2,4-D (200ppm)+Bavistin (lOOoppm), NAA (200ppm)+ Dithane M-45 (1000ppm) and IAA(200ppm)+Dithane M-45 (1 OOOppm) were free of spots and prolonged decay of fruits. Acetylene treatment showed earlier ripening of fruits than ethrel. Dipping of fruits in 2,4-D (200ppm) or 2.4-D (200ppm)+Bavistin (1OOOppm) was found to delay the spots on the fruits. Exposure. of acetylene treated fruits to complete darkness showed ripening 2 to 4 days earlier and delayed the spotting by a day or two than exposure to alternate cycle of 12 h light and 12 h darkness. Fungicidal treatment delayed spotting on fruits under complete darkness and among fungicidals/chemicals. 2,4-D (200ppm)+Bavistin (1OOOppm) appeared best.

Title of the thesis: Mechanism and genetics of grain mould resistance in sorghum" (1999)

Full name of student: Gulab Daulatrao Agarkar Advisor: Dr. R.B. Somani Grain mold of sorghum is a complex problem involving several fungal species. Resistance to grain mold in sorghum is known to be imparted by various factors associated with host genotypes, fungal species and their interactions. The objectives of the present investigations were to determine infection sites and colonization by major mold fungi (Fusarium moniliforme, F. palIidoroseum and ClIrvlIlaria lunata); determine physical, physiological and biochemical mechanism of resistance and determine genetics and heretability of various host factors contributing to grain mold resistance in selected sorghum lines.

The experimental comprised of 10 divergent parents and their 45 F I crosses _d 45 F2, progenies of partial diallel, Experiments were conducted at two locations, Akola under natural condition during 1995 and 1996 and at Patancheru under controlled condition during. 1996. Data were analyzed using model I, method 20f Griffings (1956b) further extended by Singh (1973a, 1973b).

Data were recorded on agronomic, physical, pathological and biochemical parameters. Superior combination showing significant sea effects for germination with their desirable sea effects were observed in crosses AkIns 14B x IS-6335, Akms 14B x IS-9471 and SPV-1201 x SRT - 2680 On the basis of superior mean performance in germination, four crosses viz. ICSB-1O1B x IS-2284, ICSB-1O1B x IS-6335, ICSB-I0IB x IS-9471 and SPV-1201 x IS 2284, were selected to understand significant heterosis for component characters. The results revealed that electrical conductivity, mesocarp thickness, thresh grain mold rating (TGMR), glume covering, tannins and flavan-4-ols are the major components imparting resistance. As regards to gene action governing inheritance, it was noticed that in F I diallel the gene action was non-additive for electrical conductivity, mesocarp thickness, germination, proteins, and it was additive for grain hardness, glume covering, TGMR, F. moniliforme, C. lunata, tannins and flavan-4ols, whereas, in F2 diallel, gene action changed for grain hardness and electrical I conductivity.

Over all there was decrease in 100-grain weight, grain hardness, germination, C. lunata and fungal load; and increase in electrical conductivity, TGMR, F. moniliformae and F. pallidoroseum load at Patancheru compared with Akola location. F. moniliformae, C. lunata, and F. pallidoroseum were important mold fungi at Patancheru, while C. lunata and F. moniloforme were important at Akola. F. pallidoroseum remained a minor mold fungi at Akola. In general more fungal load was recorded at Akola during 1996 than in 1995. Pre-treatment with HgCh reduced fungal load of grain deteriorating fungi and improved seed germination, except C. lunata at Patancheru. However, fungal load of all fungi was reduced at Akola in both seasons. Soluble sugars could not show any effect on grain mold resistance. However, tannins and flavan-4-ols were important biochemical parameters conferring resistance to grain mold singles or in combination. Prolamin and cross-link prolamin were recorded low in colored grain pa1-ents and crosses, have resistance to grain mold in colored grain could be attributed to tannins and flavan-4-ols. Prolamin and cross-link prolamin were more in white grain thus contribute for mold resistance. Fusarial infection (both species) takes place through hilar areas, however, Curvularial infection takes place from both ends i.e. hilar and stylar or directly through pericarp. Germinated seed (treated with HgCh) showed significant negative association with fungal load of all fungi at Akola, while it was positive at Patancheru. Ungerminated seed exhibited positive with fungal load of all fungi and score, negative with germination and positive with TGMR. Grain hardness had significantly negative correlation with endosperm texture, however, endosperm texture showed negative association with electrical conductivity, mesocarp thickness, F. manilafanne, C. lunata and TGMR. Mesocarp thickness exhibited positive correlation with F. mani/ifarme, C. lunata and' TGMR,.and negative with germination. Prolamin and cross-link prolamin had showed positive correlation with grain hardness, however it was negative with endosperm texture and germination. Considering the above results it is concluded that 1. Parental lines IS-9471, SPV-1201, IS-6335, GJ-35-35-15 and IS-2284 with high gca effect for most of the characters contributing towards

resistance to grain mold may be utilized in hybrid breeding program. 2. The cross AKMS 14B x IS-6335, ICSB-1O1B x IS-9471, ICSB-1O1B x IS-2284, SPV-104 x IS-6335, GJ-35-35-15 x IS-335 and SPV-1201 x SRT-26B exhibited high effects, desirable heterosis for most of the characters and additive gene action for important traits (agronomic, physical and biochemical) related to grain mold resistance. Therefore it is suggested that these crosses and their progenies may be utilized to generate better tolerance to grain mold infection.

3.Important traits imparting resistance to grain mold fungi are : low electrical conductivity, thin mesocarp, low TGMR, grain hardness, more glume covering, more tannins, more flavan-4-ols, more prolamin and cross-link prolamin.

Title of Thesis: Studies on Phomopsis vexans blight of brinjal and its control (1999) Full name of student: Chandrakant Uttamrao Patil Name and Address of major advisor: Dr.M.N.Asalmol Phomopsis blight of brinjal incited by Phomopsis vexan Syd) Harter is a serious disease of brinjal around, Akola having percentage into and 58.65 per cent during 1996 and 1997, respectively. Phomopsis ve.xans was predominantly isolated from the infected plant parts during pathogenicity three distinct types of symptoms on plant i.e. leaf spot(blight), fruit rot and stem blight were developed. In seedling stage under artificial inoculation, damping-off and collar rots were produced. Inoculation on injured , on lower surface of leaf developed the disease more readily. PDA, Soil extract and oat meal agar favoured growth while oat meal agar and host decoction agar was favourable for pycnidia production. Temperature of 250C pH 4.00 to 9.00 and exposure to yel1ow light during incubation favoured growth and pycnidial formation. Seeds from fruits showing 25.0 per clot infection resulted in 40 per cent pre-emergence mortality and 15 per cent post- emergence mortality due to P.vaxans during germination. The pathogen was internally as well as externally seed borne and was transmitted to the seedlings. The inoculum on stem and fruits survived for 24 months, while inoculum on leaves survived only for 2 months in field and 8 months in laboratory. Simple as well as multiple linear regression equation (models) were workedout. Validation of predicted and observed values explained the models that fitted wel1 with the field data collected during two consecutive years. In field experiments for control of disease 4 sprays of Carbendazim (50 WP) (0.25%) were most effectively resulting in disease control and increased in yield. In comparison to this Neem oil or Neemark was less effective but in comparison with other plant products was most effective, safe and economic for used in the control of the disease. Among the 36 varieties screened for disease resistance reaction, only KS-202-9 and Nurki showed resistance. Seeds having 12 per cent initial infection P. vexans when stored in polyethylene bag (700 gauge) was found as better container than gada cloth bags. Similarly seed (0.2%) treatment with Carbendazim was most effective in keeping seed-borne Phomopsis in

check and preserving seed quality for longer time while plant products were less effective. Title of Thesis: "ROLE OF ANTAGONISTS IN CONTROL OF ROOT ROT

OF SAFFLOWER CAUSED BY Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler (1999)

Full Name of the student: Shri. Sunil Tulshiram Ingle Name of Advisor: Dr. M. N. Asalmol Root-rot of safflower caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler is a serious disease in Maharashtra state. The pathogen was invariably isolated from 60 per cent samples of diseased safflower plants. During pathogenicity test pre-emergence mortality was observed 7th day whereas post-emergence mortality was evident 14th days after sowing. The pathogen produced typical symptoms on safflower plant as drooping of apical growth, rotting of roots, shredding of barks and sudden drying of plant. Among the isolated rhizosphere organisms, T. harzianum, T.viride and Aspergillus niger exhibited good antagonists against R , bataticola on PDA. Application of T. harzianum and T. viride @ 8g per kg seed appeared better in reducing the disease, improving seed germination, growth parameters of plant and also yield. A dose of antagonist @ 2g per kg seed, bacterial isolate 81 and' commercially available formulation of Trichoderma, at all doses tried, however, were not so effective. Thiram @ 3 g per kg seed was most effective but at par with T. harzianum @ 8g per kg seed. The higher dose of antagonists i.e. 10 g per kg seed gave complete protection of disease and had no any adverse effect on plant health, T. harzianum was found most effective in reducing the adverse effect of R. bataticola indicating it's highest antagonists potential as compared to other test antagonists, For control of disease by soil application of antagonists, talc based formulation of T. harzianum @ 100g per 8kg soil was equally effective to a dose of 208 g or 300 g. Among the five different carriers evaluated. FYM and talc powder were found better for growth and viability of T. harzianum. None of the eight varieties tested was immune to R. bataticola

while, AKS- 152 and AKS-68 were found as resistant when tested by vial test method.

Title of thesis Studies on tomato blight caused by Alternaria solani (2000) Name of student Mr. G. D. Mate Name of Adviser Dr. B. G. Patil, Ex-Professor of plant Pathology, Intensity of early blight of tomato (Alternaria solani) was 35.40 to 52.12% during 1996 and 1998. Survival of inoculum on fruit was 28 months and leaves 6 months in field. Naturally 22% infected seed transmitted 3% disease. Four spray of dithane M-45 (0.25%) at an interval of 15 days were effective with high CBR 1 :8.31 under natural infection. ATH-l, ATH 2, Samridhi and Vaishali varieties were moderately resistant. Seed

treatment @ 4 glkg of Trichoderma viride was found effective and improved the germination. Chlorophyll was decreased and total sugar was higher in infected leaves. Total phenol and phenolic acids were higher in healthy leaves. Title of thesis : Evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis (2000) Name of student K. D. Thakur Name of Adviser Dr. R. B. Somani, Bacillus thuringiensis was found to be very effective against Helicoverpa armigera. Twenty two isolates of Bt. were isolated from different geographical areas. Luria and modified G. media supports maximum growth. Electrical conductivity and temperatures ofthe media ranged in between 1.0 to 102 dSm-' and 28.8 to 3"1.1 DC. Seven isolates produced more biomass compared to standard 4D. Isolate 5 AMj produced 465.9ug/l crude protein Le.2.59 times and 54.3% of 4D and recorded (132 kda molecular weight and resistance' against Kanamycin. Serologically, 5BN, is related to 4D. Isolate , 5AM} and 51, are more toxic possessing LC-50 of206.071 and 324.033 ug/ml. Hence reported to be highly effective against. H. armigera and needs further exploitation, These two isolates were isolated from soils of Amravati and from dead insect respectively.

Title of Thesis Comparative antagonistic studies of Trichoderma spp and some mutant against Rhizoctonia bataticola. 2001 Name Of the Student M.V.TOTAWAR Name of Adviser Dr. R. B. Somani Biological control offered an effective & probably cheaper and safer method for the control of soil dwelling plant pathogenic facultative parasitic fungi like Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium, and Fusarium. Growing antagonist on various substrates and then incorporating into the _oil or along with seed had showed varied response hence selection of substrate and shelf life for the products is necessary. It is known that local isolates are well adapted to rhizosphere. Twenty-four Trichoderma isolates were obtained & another 52 mutants were tested against pathogenic fungi in-vitro. Potato glucose broth, potato carrot dextrose broth, & Wackman's media supported excellent growth. in solid state fermentation cornmeal, supported maximum CFU (22.94 x 1O7)followed by ground nut shell (16.87xl07 ) , saw dust (14.06xl07 ) , button mushroom spent compost (13.21 x 1 07 ) and neem cake (11.46x 1 07 )and the reduction in CFU was noticed after 30 days of packing under storage. The culture can effectively stored in three layered laminated aluminum foil for seven months in talc as carrier. Some of the Trichoderma mutants were highly effective ill suppressip.g the pathogens compared to their mother isolates & hence mutants which had shown stability over generation for their ability can be commercially exploited. . Application @ 4-6 glkg of seed has shown better plant stand, reduction in disease intensity and enhanced plant growth parameter over soil

application. Mixed strain inoculation and even mixed species formulation had shown superiority and hence the mixing of two or more strains may be preferred & can be recommended. Trichoderma isolates APDRC-19 had shown highest CFU (16.41 X 107) followed by APDRC-14, 13,03, 04, in potato glucose broth & cfu increase after 60 days of packing in talc based carrier. Mutants were generated by Physical and chemical treatment. Nine stable biotypes were obtained by exposing local isolates to 60 cobalt gamma radiation of doses 0.5 and 2.0 kg rod, sixteen were 0 btained from APDRC-04 using c o1chicine as m utagene and twenty seven from APDRC-04 & 19 by exposing to N-methyl-n-nitro-N nitrosoguanidine. All biotypes were different from the mother cultures in growth rate, sporulation, antagonistic potential, antimetabolities production and enzymic activities. Varying modes of interaction and degree of inhibition in growth of R. bataticola were observed with different isolates of Trichoderma. Mutual intermingling growth over growth of antagonist on pathogen, antibiosis, mycoparasitism and lysis were observed. Antifungal activity of Trichoderma culture filtrate was assessed against Fusarium udum and recorded 34 to 78.60 reductions in germination. Maximum propagules 16.55 X 10 7 were obtained in the talc carrier based culture followed by fly ash 14.69 X 107. The maximum cfu were obtained at 60 DAP folJowed by 30 DAP and subsequently cfu were decreased as the period advances. The lowest propagules were recorded at 210 DAP. Aluminum foil proved to retained the maximum propagules (16.96 X 10 7) while the lowest in HMHDPE . ( 13.60 X 107)

Title of Thesis Seed mycoflora of sesame and their significance.(2001) Name of student Ms. Tini S. Pillai Name of advisor Dr. B. T. Raut

Among 28 and 35 sesame seed samples of 1998 and 1999 collected from various sources were found associated with eight and eleven fungi respectively. Among pathogenic Macrnphomina phaseD/ilIa, Fusarium spp. and A/ternaria spp. (A. tenuis and A.sesami) were predominant. Seed from none of the locations were free of fungi. Blotter method proved superior, over agar plate. Pretreatment of 0.1 % HgCl2 and NaOCI - 2 % available ch lorine solution reduced counts of M. phaseolina, but failed to eliminate Aspergillus. Penicillium and Acremonium strictum. Presence of M. phaseD/ilIa in seed coat an d em bryo-was detected. Thiram, Carbendizim, Captan, Chlorothalonil and Benomyl fungicide and among antagonist Trichoderma viride were effective in reducing seed borne fungi and increases the germination. Oil content was reduced in seeds treated with fungi and stored between 2 to 8 months. Protein, carbohydrate content, iodine value, fatty acid valuc, .saponification value, specific gravity and refractive index was decreased. Scsamum AKT175 showed least infection (4.33 %). Completely infected capsule exhibited 33.5 % infected seeds while only 15.5 % seed in upper part of capsule due to M. phaseolina.

Title of Thesis integrated management of chickpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri(2001) Name of student Mr. K.P.Bobde Name of advisor Dr. R.B.Somani,

Chikpea wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum is a serious disease. Among the plant extracts Ricinus communis and Leucena lucifo/ia were effective in inhibition of fungal growth. Neem oil or eucalyptus oil @ 10 mJ/kg as seed treatment, incorporation of FYM and sawdust were effective in reducing the wilt incidence. Neem leaf chopping and [,ellcacno leaf chapping incorporation And a antagonist Trichoderma harz;anllll1 and T. v;r;de as seed dresser had potential to reduce the chickpea wilt and increase the grain yield. Seed treatment with neem oil followed with T. harzianum @ 10 1111 and 4 gm/kg respectively reduced 26 per cent wilt as against 51 % in control.

Leaf chopping 10 % (w/w) + seed treatment with T.harzianum, Ricinus plant extract presoaking of seed + addition of FYM 5 t/ha + seed treatment with T. harzianum recorded 942 and 933 kg/ha grain yield respectively.

Rhizosphere of diseased plant associated with maximum number of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes compared to healthy.

Title of The Thesis"Studies on Powdery Mildew of Green gram, Black gram and Pea Caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC."(2001) Name of student Vinod Ramniwas Gupta Name Major Advisor Dr. J.G. Raut Powdery mildew in pea (Pisum sativum L.), green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] was caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC. In pea, the disease appeared on all the aerial parts as powdery coating, containing spores (conidia) of the fungus. Late in the season, cleistothecia were noticed on leaf and stems of pea cultivar HFP-9510. In green gram and black gram the fungus was noticed only in conidial form as white powdery coating on leaves, stem and inflorescence. The disease affected first green gram and then black gram during kharif. Aerobiological studies showed that in rabi season, pea powdery mildew conidia were available in the field 50 days after sowing (DAS) and in kharif, in green gram, 30 DAS. During both seasons, spore trap of E. polygoni was highest from south direction followed by east, north and west. The data indicated nonsignificant influence of weather factors on number of spore trapped in rabi and kharif seasons. Epidemiology (disease development) study revealed initiation of powdery mildew in pea, green gram and black gram 50, 30 and 40 DAS, respectively. In pea highest disease severity occurred 90-95 DAS, in green gram 40-60 DAS and in black gram 50 DAS. In pea, positive significant correlations between disease severity and maximum temperature and wind

velocity were observed but in green gram and black gram negative significant correlation between disease severity and weather factors were evident. Early sowing of pea (15 October) reduced disease severity significantly and increased the yield, over late sowings, particularly on 30 November. In green gram and black gram also significant decrease in disease severity and increase in yields were obtained in early sowing on 3 July than late sowings upto 25 July. E. polygoni of pea was infectious to green gram and black gram and vice versa. However, conidial size was found to vary in cross infection. Inoculum from resistant cultivars of a crop on inoculation to susceptible cultivars showed increased size of conidia and reverse was true when inoculum from susceptible cultivar was inoculated on resistant. On dry leaf samples, pea powdery mildew conidia retained viability for 105 days at 15°C and for 90 days at room temperature (14-31°C) but green gram and black gram conidia only for 90 days at 15°C and 75 days at room temperature (22-33OC). At 35°C, conidia of none ofthe crop survived even for a fortnight. Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, total phenols and phenolic acids were more in upper than middle and lower leaves of all the three crops. However, total sugars and protein were in higher quantity in lower leaves. Pea and green gram leaves showed higher chlorophyll content at flowering than before, but in black gram chlorophyll was lowered at flowering but total sugars and protein were increased at flowering compared to before flowering, in all the three crops. Compared to healthy, powdery mildew infected leaves of pea, green gram and black gram showed reduced chlorophyll (a, b and total) content but total pht:nols were increased. Resistant varieties in all the crops contained more total phenol compared to susceptible. Phenolic acid did not show much variation in healthy and infected leaves. However, total sugars and proteins were higher in infected leaves of all the crops. Compared to 0 grade, 5th grade severity of powdery mildew caused significant reduction in number of pods/plant, pod length, seed diameter, 1000 grain weight and grain yield in highly susceptible cultivars of pea, green gram and black gram. None of the 61 cultivars/entries of pea, 67 of green gram and 40 of black gram were totally resistant to powdery mildew under natural conditions in the field. However, 14 entries of pea and 6 of green gram were resistant to the disease but none of black gram. Fungicides proved most effective over culture filtrates of Trichoderma (T. viride and T. harzianum); leachates of sunflower and sorghum leaf; extract of ginger, onion and garlic; and leaf extract of neem, tapioca and ghaneri in vitro to inhibit conidial germination of E. po/ygoni. Among fungicides, Topas gave 100% inhibition of spore germination. Fungicide sprays were better than plant extracts for the control of powdery mildew of pea, green gram and black gram. Of the 7 fungicides under test, sprays of Top as (0.05%) gave maximum control of disease and highest yield followed by _lt (0.05%), Score (0.05%), Calixin (0.01 %) and Bavistin (0.1 %). Sulphur (0.3%) and Topsin M (0.1%) proved inferior. In pea, sprays of a bioagent Ampe/omyces quisqualis were encouraging and better than leaf extract of neem (Azadiracta indica), tapioca (Manihot escu/entum) and

ghaneri (Lantana camera). Among leaf extracts, tapioca leaf extract proved better.

Title of thesis: Pathogenic Variability in Fusarium udum Butler. (2002) Name of student: Mr. G. K. Giri Name of advisor: Dr. B. T. Raut. Fusarium udum shows a great deal of variation in cultural, morphological and pathological characters. The variation in pathogenic ability among the different 40 isolates was observed. Out of 40 isolates 31 proved to be pathogenic on susceptible cv. TAT -10. Ten isolates were found highly virulent and nine isolates proved to be non pathogenic. The isolates were tentatively divided into five groups as highly, strongly, moderately, weakly and non pathogenic.

Antagonistic effect of pre inoculated non pathogenic isolates against highly pathogenic chalIenge inoculation revealed considerable reduction in wilt. Pre inoculation of non pathogenic 12 (J OOg) with (25g) of HPI 116 resulted in reduction of wilt by 24 to 56% and also wilt progress very slowly. Suppression of highly pathogenic isolates of F. udum was also observed by pre inoculation of F. oxysporum, f. sp. cieeri non pathogenic to pigeonpea which may induce resistance in pigeonpea seedlings against the infection of F. udum. Culture filtrates of HPI consisting metabolites and fusaric acid had shown adverse effect on germination of susceptible varieties compared to resistant ones. Percent germination differs with the soaking period and the varieties. germination. . ICP 8863 seed soaked in -filtrate of HPI exhibited 76 percent

The varied electrophoretic banding pattern of protein and isozymes viz. Peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and esterase was observed among the isolates of F. udum colIected from different geographical areas of the country. Title of Thesis :“Investigation into the status, causes and

Management of Betel vine (Piper betel.L) wilt / foot rot in Vidarbha.” . (2003)

Full Name of student : Shrikant Balasaheb Bramhankar Name and Address : Dr. M.N.Asalmol The fungi like Rhizoctonia bataticola, Fusarium moniliformae, Phytophthora parasitica var piperina, Pythium spp., Botrydiplodia theobromae and nematode Meloidogyne incognita var. acrita were found to be associated with diseased wilted samples. However ,Rhizoctonia bataticola with disease sample was 68.75 per cent followed by Fusarium sp. 19.53 per cent, Botrydiplodia theobromae 7.81 per cent, Pythium sp.0.78 per cent and Phytophthora sp. 0.39 per cent. A total of 22 isolates were tested for pathogenicity, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Fusarium moniliformae, Phytophthora parasitica var piperina, found pathogenic on betel vine. The rhizosphere study reveals that , incidence of wilt was recorded when population of Rhizoctonia bataticola was maximum and that of Trichoderma sp. was minimum. Among the various fungi,

Trichoderma viride, T.harzianum and Paecilomyces lilacinus showed 89.72, 86.39 and 50.83 per cent inhibition of Rhizoctonia bataticola, respectively. Where as Bacillus subtilis was found to inhibit the growth of test fungus upto 70.40 %. The fungicides and antibiotics screened for their efficacy against the test pathogen, Dithane M-45, Dithomyl, Thiram, Ridomil, Benkate, DithaneZ-78, Carbendazim, Metalaxyl, Kasugamycine and Validamycine wer found promising as they have totally inhibited the test isolate. Among the four different IDM modules , Module – III which consist of

i. Soil solarization ii. Set and soil application of Trichoderma @ 10kg/ha (3 split

applications – June/ September / December) iii. Addition of neem cake @ 2000kg/ha (3 split applications – June/

September / December) iv. Application of ammonium sulphate , supper phosphate and potash (as

NPK) 100:50:50 kg/ha (Three split application of ammonium sulphate and single application of super phosphate and potash.)

v. Drip system of irrigation.

Title: " Investigation leaf blight of wheat in relation to resistant ,losses,

and management". (2004) Name of the student: Mr.R.R.Rathod Name of advisor: Dr.S.K.Shivankar In the study revealed that out of 17 isolates tested only one isolate showed non pathogenic reaction four each highly pathogenic and strongly pathogenic and remaining eight moderately pathogenic isolates .By PAGE study more than 90 % of feedidity value has been observed in the differentiation of pathogenic and non pathogenic isolates. Growth of fungus was found significantly maximum on potato dextrose agar medium and optimum growth 250 temperatures and 100 % relative humidity required. The fungus had proved pathogenicity test and found that it was host specific in nature.

Screening of 120 wheat strains against A.triticina showed 81 highly resistant,36 resistant and 1 moderately resistant. Spores of A.triticina were trapped maximum from South-North direction than rest of other direction and spore intensity was maximum during 04 to 09 meteorological weeks. Higher concentration of total phenols, phenolic acid and chlorophyll content in leaves showed its resistance against A. triticina Where as total sugar, reducing sugar and protein content recorded susceptibility. During management study of in vitro food poisoned technique, Mancozeb (0.25%) and Carbendazim (0.1%) was found most effective for controlling growth of A.triticina and also proved its susceptibility. During management study of in Vitro food poisoned technique, Mancozeb (0.25%) and Carbendazim (0.1% ) was found most effective for controlling growth of A.triticina and also proved its superiority in hanging drop method. In vivo study, Mancozeb and carbendazim showed less disease intensity. They were also increases plant height, earhead length, number of grains earhead-l and WOO-grain weight with higher grain yield followed by Lantana camera plant leaf extracts.

Title: Studies on application of Numoraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson as a biopesticide. (2005) Name of Student: Mr.Yogesh V.Ingle Chairman: Dr.B.T.Raut

Among the seven isolates including mutant, Nr- PDKV local isolate was highly virulent as recorded maximum mortality with least LT50 value. Physical presence of mycelium and pathological changes in hoemolymph was major cause of insect death. The characteristics symptoms on larvae were noted as a mummified covered with dense white mycelium mate later turned green due to sporulation.

Sabouraud’s maltose agar with yeast extract (SMAY) was found to be the best medium for growth and supported high sporulation followed by SDA and BCY medium. Maltose as a carbon and sodium nitrate as a nitrogen sources resulted in higher spore germination. A temperature 25oC, 95% RH and alternate cycle of 12 hours light and 12 hour darkness favours maximum growth and sporulation. Pathogenic ability against different insect species was also proved other than H armigera and inferred that N.rileyi had a wide host range. Spores harvested from sorghum substrates were more virulent followed by maize , SMAY media to H.armigera .

The LC50 value of N.rileyi for early instar was low and required more spore concentration for aged larva. LT50 value were higher at lower doses while lower for higher concentration. Leaf dip method noted high LC 50 and LT50 values for each instar where as leaf + larval dip method recorded maximum LC50 and LT50 value for attaining higher mortality of H.armigera.

Fungicides and insecticides against N.rileyi under invitro were assayed by poisoned food technique. Copper oxychloride + Streptomycin and Sulphur as a fungicide and among insecticide cypermethrin , Endosulphon, diamethoate, and carbaryl were found safer where as Thiram , Carbendazim , mancozeb, quinolphos, chloropyriphos and spinosad were found detrimental to N.rileyi .

Combination of insecticides i.e spinosad with N. rileyi recorded highest mortality of H.armigera. where as among the microbial insecticide , highest mortality was achieved with HaNPV and M. anisopliae . Mutant (Nr-mutant) has not expressed any additive effect in respect with virulence and enzymatic activities. Positive virulence was existed with expression of chitinases, proteases and lipase activities of individual isolates. Page analysis in respect to protein profile as molecular marker can be efficiently used for differentiating the variability as well as virulence.

Kaoline powder supported high conidial viability and persisted the virulence of N.rileyi followed by lignite and charcoal. Shelf life studies indicted that N.rileyi could retained the viability and virulence at low temperature storage (4 & 100C) compared to 250C and room temperature. Increase in storage period decreases the longevity and virulence of N.rileyi.

Soybean and sunflower oil retained high conidial viability and virulence under both temperature regimes. However, 250C and room temperature storage retained the conidial viability and virulence till six months and later decline much compared to low temperature storage. Higher larval H.armigera reduction on chickpea was obtained due to foliar application of N.rileyi oil formulation under field condition. Cumulative

larval reduction was found in increase with an increase in duration after spraying DC-tron. Soybean and sunflower oil formulation caused reduction in pod damage and increase in grain yield of chickpea.

Though, incremental coat benefit ration was higher in endosulphoan (1:21:14), but among the oil formulation with N.rileyi soybean oil (1:18.4), DC-Tron (1:16.57) and sunflower (1:16.38) proved efficient in reduction of pod damage, increase in larval mortality and higher grain yield. Title of Thesis :“Evaluation of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.)

Sorokin as a Bioinsecticide against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)” (2005)

Full Name of student : Eshwar Ballaiah Burgoni Name of Advisor : Dr. G. D. Agarkar The entomopathogenic fungi Metarihizium anisopliae have long been known to be highly pathogenic to various insects and has been identified from about 300 species of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hemiptera. Pathogenicity test of six isolates carried out against IInd instar larvae of H. armigera and Ma-BNG isolate found highly virulent recorded 82.50% mortality with a least LT50 value of 155.60 hr. M. anisopliae isolate produced initially white mycelial growth, later turn dark herbage to pink green due to heavy sporulation conidia rod in shape and dimension ranges 6.3 – 7.5 x 2.5 – 3.2 µm. Localized concentration of hyphal bodies observed in haemocoel and subsequently invades muscles and after organs of larval bodies. Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and its broth media supported maximum growth and sporulation of three tested M. anisopliae isolates. The principal environmental factor supported for the development of M. anisopliae isolates as temperature 20-30oC, 80-95% RH and 24 hr darkness during incubation favoured maximum growth and sporulation. Host range study revealed that M. anisopliae had a wide host range, infect several economically important crop pests, belonging to different orders. Rice, maize and pigeonpea along with 1% yeast found to be the best grain media, yielded highest spore production i.e. 7.82, 7.20 and 6.83 x 108 spores/ml respectively. Bioassay study revealed that susceptibility of insects positively associated with the spore concentration. An increase in spore concentration corresponds to increase in mortality. In Ma-BNG isolate the LC50 and LT50 value was minimum in comparison to Ma-TNAU and Ma-NDL isolates. The LC50 value were 3.30 x 105, 4.93 x 106 and 2.90 x 107 spores/ml and the LT50 value of 155.60, 182.19 and 196.04 hr against IInd, IIIrd and IVth instar larvae respectively. Compatibility of M. anisopliae isolates was tested with commonly used pesticides in laboratory condition by adopting poison food technique copper oxychloride + streptomycin and cypermethrin found compatibly as least per cent inhibition recorded at three levels of concentration. Protein molecular marker can be exploited for identification of virulent and avirulent isolates. Esterase isozyme efficiently used in determining variability among isolates. Extra cellular enzymes show positive relation of virulence, virulent isolate Ma-BNG expressed higher chitinase, protease and lipase

activity. The viability and virulence of the infective unit conidia during storage and application were more in kaoline carrier, groundnut oil and sunflower oil formulation, when stored at 4 and 10oC upto 180 days of storage. Whereas conidia stored at 25oC and room temperature in carrier and oil based formulation lost viability after only 60 days of storage. The effectiveness of carrier and oil based formulation of M. anisopliae were evaluated against H. armigera in chickpea crop under field condition. The groundnut oil and sunflower oil formulation were found to most effective in reducing H. armigera population. The result were compared with untreated control and endosulfan (0.06%). The grain yield in groundnut oil (1462 Kg/ha) sunflower oil (1369 Kg/ha), endosulfan (1616 Kg/ha) and control (674 Kg/ha). The ICBR was highest in groundnut oil 1:29.3. Title of Thesis:“ Pathogenic diversity in isolates of Colletotrichum spp.” Full Name of student : Damaynti D. Guldekar Name of Advisor : Dr. B.T.Raut The investigation entitled “Pathogenic diversity in isolates of Colletotrichum spp.” were carried out for ascertaining the variability among different species of Colletotrichum, a teleomorph Glomerella, classified under Phylum Ascomycota, Class-Filamentous Ascomycetes, order Phyllachorales, anamorph Colletotrichum. A genus Colletotrichum has an wide host range causing wide spread damage in field, horticultural, vegetables and fruit crop by initiating the diseases namely dieback, anthracnose fruit rot, pod blight, seedling blight etc. Among thirty one, C.truncatum, C.capsici, C.gloeosporioides, C.dematium, C.gossypii and C.graminicola were isolated on the basis of pathogenicity to their original host. The isolates were categorized on pathogenic basis. The detailed studies were directed towards the pathogen C.truncatum and C.capsici causing diseases in soybean and chilli respectively and six each highly pathogenic isolates were selected among ten and nine belongs to diverse geographical areas and designated as Ct and Cc.Among nine isolates of C.truncatum Ct1 and Ct4 exhibited black colonies, Ct5, Ct7 and Ct8 formed the selerotia. Among C.capsici, Cc8, Cc10 had white to ash dark black grayish yellow colonies with saffron colour conidial mass. Setae were not observed in C.gloeosporioides isolated from soybean (Cg1), cotton (Cg2) sorghum (Cg3), (Cg4) mango, (Cg5) orange. Appressoria possessing varied type of shape and size borne in all isolates within 3 to 5 days of incubation, while C.truncatum Ct5, Ct6 took 4 days and C.capsici isolates developed after 3 days except Cc6. C.truncatum Ct7 was initially slow grower but 76.46 mm growth was achieved on 9th day, C.capsici Cc10 has 78.03 mm followed by Cc2 76.73 mm radial mycelial growth while Cg2 recorded maximum growth (84.86 mm).Micrometrical observations also revealed large variation in dimension of conidia, acervuli and setae. Compatibility studies indicated the development of sterile perithecia in the form of black dot like structure among same and different species C.truncatum and C.capsici i.e. Ct1 were compatible with Ct2, Ct5, Ct7, Cc6, Cc8 and Cc10. However there was no development of asci and ascospores, during the course of

investigation.Colletotrichum truncatum and Colletotrichum capsici was able to infect the non host crops viz., cotton, papaya, tomato, mung beans, orange, turmeric and mango under cross inoculation studies while Ct4 and Ct6 infect only seven different hosts.Host differential response is an indicative for tentatively grouping of pathotype in both the pathogen. Soybean isolates Ct1 (Akola), Ct2 (Amravati) and Ct4 (Nashik) as pathotype I, pathotype II Ct5 (Mangrulpir) and Ct7 (Bhaurad) while pathotype III Ct6 (Anand) as they produced different type of reaction against seventeen soybean differentials (varieties).Among C.capsici five isolates i.e. Cc1 (Akola), Cc6 (Anand), Ct7 (Hyderabad), Cc8 (Yavatmal), Cc10 (Rahuri) comprised under pathotype I, while Cc9 (Guntur) represent pathotype II on the basis of seventeen chilli differentials (varieties) response under epiphytotic condition. The isolates were collected from limited diverse geographical areas but exhibited the diversity in pathogenic ability.Transmission of pathogen in soybean seed was 27.67 and 7.27 per cent in chilli. Hyphae of C.truncatum and C.capsici was found in parenchymatous tissue of seed coat proving that Colletotrichum is internally seed borne. Cluster analysis of proteins banding pattern exhibited four major clusters. Isolate of Colletotrichum truncatum Ct6 and Ct7 showed close similarity. Isozymes esterase and peroxidase also revealed the variation among set of both the isolates.Six fungicides, seven botanicals and three bioagents were tested under management studies in vitro and vivo Chlorothalonil (0.25%), cymoxanil + mancozeb (0.25%) and carboxin (0.1%) had 100 per cent spore inhibition. Maximum spore inhibition was recorded in carrot grass extract followed by golden duranta. Sensitivity of isolates against carbendazim and cymoxanil + mancozeb also revealed the variation.Three sprays of fungicides viz., mancozeb (0.25%) or carbendazim (0.1%) or propiconazole (0.05%) and as under ecofriendly management ajwain seed extract (5%) or behada leaf extract (5%) while among bioagents culture filtrate (5%) of Trichoderma viride or Trichoderma harzianum were effective in reducing the disease intensity in soybean and chilli. These treatments increased the yield and also reduced the infected pods. Botanicals or bioagents could be used as ecofriendly management trial for incorporating in the module of integrated disease management Title of Thesis:“ Enrichment of Compost Through Microbial

Inoculants and Chemical Amendments Full Name of student : Deepti S. Bhagat Name of Advisor : Dr. R.W.Ingle

Degradation of organic material through microbial activities is beneficial as organic debris are continously removed from environment. Large quantities of CO2 is essential for photosynthesis released into atmosphere and an very important soil constituent the humus is formed and added to the soil which ultimately improves the soil structure and soil productivity.

Twenty fungal and bacterial cultures were isolated and collected from different substrates and sources and tested their enzymic activities, mass multiplication, longivity/ shelf life and their degrading abilities.

Among twenty cultures of fungi and bacteria, Trichoderma viride, Chaetomium globosum and Trichurus spiralis had shown good to very good growth on filter paper strips and also maximum per cent loss in weight of filter paper strips after 15 days of incubation which indicated the cellulolytic nature of cultures.

Sixteen fungal and four bacterial cultures were tested for their cellulolytic activity. Maximum utilization of cellulose was exhibited by maximum depth of clearance zone and it was found with T. viride followed by T. harzianum, C. globosum, T. spiralis, and Aspergillus niger. Among bacterial cultures Cellulomonas bibula showed maximum depth of clearance zone.

These cultures were tested for their starch, pectin, cellulose and lignin hydrolysis activities. T. viride recorded maximum radial growth and also showed positive reaction i.e. clear zone around the colonies followed by T. harzianum, C.globosum, T. spiralis, A niger, H. grisea and R. bataticola. C. bibula also showed good starch hydrolyzing activity. Good pectin degrading activity on Hankin’s medium and good cellulose degrading activity using Czapek’s mineral salt agar medium was also asseyed. Eight cultures could utilized lignin, however, T. viride exhibited more radial growth followed by T. harzianum, C. globosum, T. spiralis, A. niger, H. grisea and C. bibula. All these cultures showed good growth on lignin and tannic acid medium.

Cellulose degrading activities of the cultures were also assessed by measuring amount of reducing sugar and maximum released by T. viride followed by C. globosum, T. spiralis, T. harzianum, A. niger, H. grisea and C. bibula and four promising cultures namely T. spiralis, C. globosum, T. viride and C. bibula were selected further investigations.

Efforts have been made to generate stable mutants of T. spiralis, C. globosum, T. viride and C. bibula by physical and chemical mutation, and thirty two stable mutants were obtained by exposing ultraviolet radiation and using PEG and Colchicine. The mutants expressed less activity of starch, pectin, cellulose, lignin and filter paper degrading activity compared to their mother cultures. Therefore, further study of these mutants were not continued.

Mass multiplication of different cultures viz., T. spiralis, C. globosum, T. viride, A. niger, H. grisea and C. bibula were undertaken to evaluate the suitability of locally available substrates i.e. sorghum grain, wheat grain, peat and FYM. The best substrate for all the cultures was sorghum grain as maximum number of propagules were retained after 180 days of inocubation.

Shelf life was undertaken to assess the suitability of different carrier materials. The carrier used were talc, lignite, charcoal and fly ash. Talc was found as best carrier among all the carrier materials as it support maximum colony forming units up to 180 days of storage while fly ash recorded minimum number of propagules.

The efficient cultures viz., T. spiralis, C. globosum, T. viride and C. bibula which were selected on the basis of preliminary studies were used for decomposition of agricultural crop wastes viz., cotton stalk, sorghum stalk, pigeonpea stalk, sugarcane trash, wheat straw, parthenium and weeds. The rate of decomposition of different substrates by selected cultures

combinations were evaluated by CO2 evolution, per cent loss in weight and C:N ratio.

Higher amount of CO2 evolution was recorded within first week of incubation but it was declined to the extent of 50 per cent during second week and later it was drastically reduced till VIIIth week of degradation. Wheat straw released maximum amount of CO2 followed by sorghum stalk, pigeonpea stalk, cotton stalk, etc. which was inoculated with the combination of cultures i.e. T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride.

The combination of T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride gave highest per cent loss in weight of wheat straw and it was followed by parthenium, sorghum stalk and pigeonpea stalk etc.

Initial C:N ratio of organic substrates was lowered down by all the treatments after decomposition. However, T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride was highly effective to brought down the initial C:N ratio of wheat straw (71.27 to 13.18:1), sorghum stalk (43.38 to 13.51:1), pigeonpea stalk (55.98 to 13.73:1), cotton stalk (58.60 to 13.96:1) etc. It was followed by T. spiralis + T. viride, T spiralis + C. globosum, T. viride, C. globosum, T. spiralis. C. bibula was also found effective in reducing the initial C:N ratio of different substrates.

Total phosphorus content was found to be increased after decomposition process. Among all the treatments, T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride was found more effective as maximum phosphorus content was obtained in wheat straw, sorghum stalk, pigeonpea stalk, etc.

For decomposition of agricultural wastes viz. cotton stalk, sorghum stalk, pigeonpea stalk, sugarcane trash, wheat straw, parthenium and weeds were treated with four efficient cultures, i.e. T. spiralis, C. globosum and T. viride alone and in combination and C. bibula separately. The effect of all treatment on rate of degradation was studied by measuring the colony forming units after 180 days of decomposition, within 30 days, there was steep increase in the number of propagules. Similar trend was noticed up to 90 days while maximum found at 120 days of decomposition. The number of propagules decreased slightly at 150 and continued till 180 days.

Maximum viable propagules were obtained in wheat straw followed by sorghum stalk, pigeonpea stalk etc. which was inoculated with the T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride.

The efficiency of degradation of different substrates were also measured by its per cent weight loss of substrates. As the decomposition period increased, the weight loss of substrates also increased, while maximum weight loss was found with T. spiralis + C. globosum + T. viride in parthenium and it was followed by wheat straw, weeds, sorghum stalk, etc.

The degraded substrates were enriched by addition of nitrogen fixing, (Rhizobium and Azotobacter) phosphate solubilizing (PSB) biofertilizer, 2 per cent nitrogenous and 1 per cent phophatic chemical fertilizer.

After enrichment, the maximum population of Azotobacter, Rhizobium, PSB and fungi found with the combination of micro organisms + cowdung + urea + SSP + treatment in wheat straw while other treatments were also found effective and showed maximum viable propagules in different substrates after 30 days of incubation.

Addition of the amendments, initial C:N ratio of decomposed substrates was brought down and treatment, microorganism + cowdung + urea + SSP was found more effective in reducing the C:N ratio of decomposed wheat straw (from 13.18 to 9.10:1) and it was followed by microorganism + cowdung and microorganism were also found effective in lowering the C:N ratio in all the substrates.

The extent of decomposition of agricultural wastes was determined by its total phosphorus content, initially it was less with fresh substrates and it increased after decomposition but after enrichment with biofertilizers and chemical amendments, it enhanced the effect. Microorganisms + cowdung + urea + SSP gave more phosphorus content in wheat straw, compared to other substrates.